Live-in relationships are not illegal, State must protect such couples, says Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ruled that live-in relationships are not illegal and that the state is bound to protect every citizen from any threats or interference, regardless of their marital status, The Indian Express reported.

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh ruled that living together without marriage is not an offence, and that adults in live-in relationships are entitled to the protection of life and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution, Bar and Bench reported.

“Mere fact that the petitioners have not solemnized marriage, would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in the Constitution of India being citizens of India,” the court said.