Allahabad High Court Affirms Rights of Interfaith Couples in Live-In Relationships

Court Ruling on Interfaith Live-In Relationships

On Monday, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2021 Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act does not restrict live-in relationships between interfaith couples, according to reports.

The bench, led by Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, made this statement while addressing 12 petitions from Hindu and Muslim women who sought police protection due to threats received for their relationships with partners from different faiths.

The court emphasized that it does not categorize the couples by their religions but rather sees them as two consenting adults cohabiting for an extended period.

“The right to choose one’s partner, regardless of their religion, is fundamental to the right to life and personal liberty,” the bench stated. “Any interference in such personal relationships would significantly infringe upon the freedom of choice of the individuals involved.”

The judge further remarked, “If the law allows two individuals of the same sex to live together peacefully, then no individual, family, or state should object to a heterosexual relationship between two consenting adults.”

The court provided relief to the couples, allowing them to seek police assistance for their concerns.

It instructed law enforcement to investigate the complaints and consider the petitioners' ages. If the allegations are substantiated, authorities must act according to the law to safeguard the petitioners' lives and liberties.

The court clarified that being in an interfaith relationship does not strip individuals of their fundamental rights and that discrimination based on caste or religion is unacceptable.

Furthermore, the court noted that for the anti-conversion law to apply, there must be a conversion from one religion to another, which should occur through misrepresentation, coercion, or fraudulent means, including marriage.