Chandigarh: In a ruling that has stirred debate, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused protection to a couple claiming to be in a live-in relationship, describing such arrangements as a "modern lifestyle" influenced by Western culture, reported The Tribune.
The court observed that children leaving their parental homes brought a "bad name" to families and warned against granting legitimacy to relationships lacking social and legal sanctity.
Justice Sandeep Moudgil, dismissing the plea, underlined that marriage in India is a "holy relationship" carrying legal consequences and enjoying high social esteem. He noted that while Article 21 guarantees the right to life and liberty, including dignity, this freedom must operate within the ambit of law.
The petitioners had argued they were majors, in love, and intended to marry later, but sought protection from harassment by relatives. The court, however, pointed out that one partner was not yet of marriageable age and stressed that merely living together for a few days could not establish a legitimate live-in relationship.
Referring to Supreme Court precedent, the Bench said prerequisites for such recognition include parties holding themselves out as akin to spouses, being of legal age, and unmarried. Justice Moudgil added that directing police protection in such cases could indirectly amount to endorsing an "illicit relationship," potentially disturbing the social fabric.