Archive · 17 Nov 2025
High Courts Offer Protection to Live-in Couples, Lawyers Highlight Legal Nuances
Imagine two grown-up people who decide to live together like a married couple, even if they aren't married yet.
Sometimes, their families don't like this and might try to hurt or bother them.
These couples can go to court, like the High Court, to ask for protection.
A lawyer says that the court should protect these couples because everyone has the right to live how they choose, even if it's different from what society expects.
If the police don't help, there are special rules and safe places for these couples.
One court recently helped a couple, and another court is also helping people who want to get married.
Sometimes, if someone in the couple is already married, the court might not be able to help as much because it could affect the other spouse's rights.
Punjab and Haryana High Court granted protection to an unmarried couple in a live-in relationship facing threats.
The court emphasized the state's obligation to protect the life and liberty of live-in couples, married or not.
Lawyers highlight that convincing courts often involves asserting constitutional rights against societal norms.
Protection may be denied if one partner is already married or if there are existing legal complaints against them.
The Shakti Vahini judgment mandates special cells in districts to provide protection and remedies for such couples.
- Who
- Unmarried couples in live-in relationships, lawyers, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Delhi High Court, police authorities
- What
- High courts are being approached by unmarried, live-in couples for protection against threats, with courts granting relief in many cases based on constitutional rights, though challenges like existing marriages or societal norms can affect outcomes.
- When
- Recent times, including a recent decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a case dealt with by the Delhi High Court.
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Delhi High Court, special cells in districts across India.
- Why
- To protect the life, liberty, and well-being of couples in live-in relationships who fear harassment or violence from family members or society, and to uphold their constitutional rights.
Couples' Stance
Legal Interpretation & Challenges
Right to Protection
Couples' Stance
Unmarried couples in live-in relationships facing threats seek court protection to exercise their constitutional rights to life and liberty.
Legal Interpretation & Challenges
Courts sometimes hesitate to grant protection if one partner is already married or if there are existing FIRs/complaints against the couple.
Societal Norms vs. Individual Rights
Couples' Stance
Advocates argue that courts should focus on individual constitutional rights rather than societal or family values when deciding on protection for live-in couples.
Legal Interpretation & Challenges
Some court decisions or societal biases may perceive live-in relationships as going against traditional values, impacting the granting of relief.
Forum for Protection
Couples' Stance
High Courts are considered the best forum for couples intending to marry and seeking protection.
Legal Interpretation & Challenges
The Shakti Vahini judgment mandates special cells in every district, headed by senior police officers, as an alternative forum for protection, potentially shifting focus from High Courts.
- Court Ruling Example
- Punjab and Haryana High Court granted protection to an unmarried live-in couple facing threats.
- Legal Precedent
- Shakti Vahini v. Union of India judgment provides measures for protection of couples' rights.
- Police Action Mandate
- Shakti Vahini judgment allows action against police for inaction on complaints from couples.
- Special Protection Cells
- Special cells are to be created in every district to protect live-in couples.
- Safe Houses
- Home Secretary, Haryana, affirmed the running of safe houses in every district for such couples.
- Transgender Couple Case
- Delhi High Court granted protection to a transgender couple under the Shakti Vahini judgment.