The Allahabad High Court recently heard a plea from a live-in couple seeking protection after facing serious threats from the woman’s family. The case brought attention to concerns about their safety, including the possibility of honour-based violence. The couple approached the court after fearing harm due to opposition from relatives. The matter focused on protecting their right to live together peacefully. The court treated the issue as one involving personal liberty and safety.
During the hearing, the court clarified that a married man living in a live-in relationship with a consenting adult woman is not a criminal offence. It stressed that such relationships, though socially debated, do not automatically violate any law. The judges highlighted that consent between adults is a key factor in such cases. They made it clear that legal judgment must be based on law, not assumptions. Therefore, no criminal case can be made solely on this basis.
A bench of Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena stated that morality and law are separate concepts. The court emphasized that social values or public opinion cannot dictate legal outcomes. It underlined that courts must focus only on whether any law has been broken. Even if society disapproves, the judiciary cannot deny protection to individuals. Protecting citizens’ rights remains the primary duty of the court.
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Allahabad HC: Live-In Relationship with Married Man Not an Offence
The court noted that the woman had already submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police in Shahjahanpur. She clearly stated that she was an adult living with the man by her own choice. However, she also mentioned that her family strongly opposed the relationship. According to her complaint, they had issued threats, raising fear for her life. This lack of support from authorities became a serious concern for the court.
Expressing concern over police inaction, the court said it is the responsibility of law enforcement to protect such couples. It referred to Supreme Court guidelines that mandate protection in cases involving threats to adult couples. The court reiterated that the right to life and personal liberty applies to all citizens equally. Marital status or societal norms cannot take away these rights. Ensuring safety in such situations is a legal obligation of the authorities.
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