Live-in Relationship – Delhi High Court Upholds Protection for Consenting Adults
Live-in Relationship – The Delhi High Court has ruled that two adults who willingly choose to live together in a relationship similar to marriage have the right to seek police protection if they face threats from family members. The court emphasised that the freedom to choose a partner forms an essential part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Court Recognises Autonomy in Personal Relationships
Justice Saurabh Banerjee delivered the observation while hearing a petition filed by a young couple who approached the court seeking safety from the woman’s father. According to the petition, the father had allegedly threatened the couple because he disapproved of their relationship.
While granting relief, the court noted that the pair were in a live-in relationship that resembled marriage in many respects, even though it did not carry legal marital status. The judge stated that Indian law recognises marriage between two individuals who consent to be together, regardless of caste, religion, community, or background.
The court made it clear that personal choices involving relationships fall within the domain of individual liberty.
Constitutional Rights Highlighted by the Court
In its order dated February 24, the court referred to the constitutional safeguards that protect citizens’ freedom and personal autonomy. Justice Banerjee pointed out that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom, while Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty.
These constitutional provisions, the court said, ensure that adults are free to make decisions about their personal lives without unlawful interference from others.
The judge stressed that once individuals are legally adults and enter a relationship voluntarily, their choices must be respected.
Couple Entered Relationship With Mutual Consent
During the hearing, the couple’s lawyer informed the court that both individuals were adults, born in 2006 and 2007. According to the submission, they had been in a relationship since 2024 and had decided to live together.
The counsel also told the court that the couple had formalised their understanding by signing a live-in relationship agreement on February 17, 2026. The agreement documented their intention and willingness to stay together as partners.
The court observed that the couple had taken the decision responsibly and had entered the relationship of their own free will.
Court Directs Authorities to Ensure Safety
The petition further claimed that the woman’s father had issued repeated threats after learning about the relationship. The couple argued that these threats created fear for their safety and could potentially put their lives and freedom at risk.
After considering the circumstances, the court stated that no individual or authority has the right to obstruct or interfere with the lives of two consenting adults who have chosen to be together.
Recognising the seriousness of the concerns raised, the court directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the couple receives appropriate protection from any threats or harassment.
Growing Legal Recognition of Live-in Relationships
Over the past several years, Indian courts have increasingly addressed cases involving couples in live-in relationships. While such relationships are not legally equivalent to marriage in every respect, courts have repeatedly recognised that adults have the freedom to choose how they live and whom they partner with.
The Delhi High Court’s latest ruling reinforces this position by reaffirming that personal liberty and safety remain protected under the Constitution, even in relationships that fall outside traditional marital frameworks.
The decision also highlights the judiciary’s continued emphasis on safeguarding individual rights when familial or societal pressures attempt to interfere with personal choices.