Live-In Relationships In India: Legal Recognition And Social Acceptance
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
Kavya Jain, LLB, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the concept, legal recognition, and societal implications of live-in relationships in India. With changing social dynamics, urbanization, and evolving attitudes toward personal relationships, live-in arrangements have increasingly emerged as an alternative to traditional marriage, particularly among younger generations. The paper analyzes the legal position of live-in relationships through landmark judicial pronouncements and discusses issues relating to maintenance, domestic violence protection, property rights, and legitimacy of children born from such relationships.
Further, the paper explores the social stigma and challenges associated with live-in relationships in Indian society while highlighting the legal ambiguities that continue to persist due to the absence of a comprehensive statutory framework. The study concludes that although Indian courts have gradually recognized and protected certain rights arising from live-in relationships, clearer legislative reforms may be necessary to ensure legal certainty and protection for individuals involved in such arrangements.
