A live-in relationship also called cohabitation in some countries is an arrangement when two people involved in a romantic and sexual relationship as partners for a long term or permanently, decide to live together without marriage

2. Introduction
• What are Live-in Relationships?
• Live-in relationships are relationships where two
unmarried adults cohabitate and live together as a couple,
sharing a life and household.
• They are often referred to as "unmarried partners" or
"domestic partners."

3. Legal Status in India
• Unlike in some other countries, live-in relationships are
not recognized as a legal union under any specific law in
India.
• However, the Supreme Court of India has held that living
together as partners without getting married is not illegal
or a criminal offense.
• This recognition is crucial in providing some legal
protection to individuals in such relationships.

4. Growing Popularity
• Live-in relationships are becoming increasingly common
in India, particularly among younger generations and
urban populations.
• This shift reflects changing societal attitudes towards
marriage and family structures.

5. Legal Recognition
No Specific Law:-
• There is no specific law in India that governs live-in
relationships, several judgments by the Supreme Court
have recognized their validity and offered certain legal
protections.

6. Relevant Judgments
• D Velusamy v D Patchaiammal (2010): This landmark
judgment recognized live-in relationships as a legitimate
relationship choice and granted property rights to partners
in such relationships.
• Lata Singh v State of UP (2006): This case recognized
the right of live-in partners to claim maintenance from
each other.
• Khushboo v Kanniammal (2010): This judgment granted
inheritance rights to children born from live-in
relationships.

7. Lack of Legal Protection
• Despite these judgments, live-in couples do not have the
same legal protections as married couples.
• They may face challenges in matters such as property
ownership, inheritance, and maintenance.

8. Rights and Protections
Right to Live Together:
• Live-in couples have the right to live together without interference from others, including family
members or the state.
Inheritance Rights for Children:
• Children born from live-in relationships are considered legitimate and have the right to inherit property
from both parents.
Protection Against Domestic Violence:
• Live-in partners are protected under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. This
act provides them with legal recourse against domestic violence.
Right to Claim Maintenance:
• Under certain circumstances, live-in partners may be able to claim maintenance from each other. This
typically depends on factors such as the length of the relationship and financial dependence.

9. Challenges and Concerns
 Unclear Legal Status:
• The lack of a specific law governing live-in relationships can lead to uncertainty and confusion
regarding legal rights and obligations.
 Proof of Relationship:
It can be difficult to prove the existence of a live-in relationship in court, especially if there is no written
agreement or documentation.
 Social Stigma:
• Live-in relationships can still be met with social stigma and lack of acceptance from certain sections of
society.
 Property and Maintenance Issues:
• In case of separation, live-in couples may face challenges regarding property division and
maintenance claims. This is because the legal framework is not as clear and established as it is for
married couples.

10. Recommendations
Enact a Specific Law:
• Enacting a specific law that governs live-in relationships would provide clarity and certainty regarding
legal rights and responsibilities. This would help ensure that live-in couples have equal protection under
the law.
Register Live-in Relationships:
• A system for registering live-in relationships could help provide proof of the relationship and facilitate
legal processes.
Equal Rights and Protections:
Live-in couples should be granted the same rights and protections as married couples, including
inheritance rights, property rights, and maintenance rights.
Awareness and Education:
• Increased public awareness and education about the legal rights of live-in couples are crucial to
overcome social stigma and discrimination. This could involve educational campaigns and legal literacy
initiatives.

11. Conclusion
• Live-in relationships are a growing reality in India.
• While legal recognition is still evolving, the Supreme Court
judgments and evolving social attitudes offer some
protection and pave the way for future progress.