The Allahabad High Court has recently made headlines with its critical observations regarding live-in relationships, particularly concerning their impact on women. While hearing a bail petition in a case involving allegations of sexual exploitation under the false promise of marriage, Justice Siddhartha of the Allahabad High Court stated that live-in relationships go against the established norms of middle-class Indian society and disproportionately harm women. The court's remarks have ignited a debate about the societal implications of live-in relationships and their potential consequences, especially for women.
Justice Siddhartha observed that men can easily move on and marry after a live-in relationship ends, whereas women often find it difficult to find a suitable partner after a breakup. The court highlighted a perceived imbalance in the consequences of such relationships, noting that women may face societal stigma and challenges in finding future partners. The court also expressed concern over the increasing number of cases related to live-in relationships that are reaching the courts, suggesting a growing social problem. The Allahabad High Court said that there is a "systematic design" at work to "destroy the institution of marriage in India".
The court was hearing the bail plea of Shane Alam, who was accused of engaging in a physical relationship with a woman under the false pretense of marriage and later refusing to marry her. The victim's lawyer argued that the accused's actions had "ruined the woman's entire life," leaving her with little chance of finding a future spouse. Taking note of these arguments, the court remarked that live-in relationships have greatly impacted the younger generation, with adverse consequences evident in existing cases.
These observations align with previous judgments where the Allahabad High Court has expressed concerns about the social implications of live-in relationships. In January 2025, the court noted that live-in relationships lack social sanction and urged finding a framework to safeguard moral values in society. In March 2024, the court ruled that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, applies to live-in relationships, making it mandatory for interfaith couples to seek conversion according to the law's provisions.
Conversely, in April 2025, the same court protected an interfaith couple in a live-in relationship, stating that as adults, they are entitled to live together, even without formal marriage. The court has also emphasized that the POCSO Act should not be misused to criminalize consensual relationships among teenagers.
The Allahabad High Court's recent remarks reflect a growing debate in India about the legal and social status of live-in relationships. While the Supreme Court has recognized the legality of live-in relationships, their social acceptability remains a complex issue, particularly in middle-class society. The Allahabad High Court's observations underscore the potential vulnerabilities women may face in such relationships, especially concerning societal expectations and the challenges of finding a life partner after a breakup.
