Rajasthan High Court Affirms Right to Live-In Relationships for Adults

Court Ruling on Live-In Relationships

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that two adults can choose to live together in a 'live-in' arrangement, even if they have not yet reached the legal marriage age. The court emphasized that constitutional rights cannot be diminished based on age.

Justice Anoop Dhand delivered this verdict while hearing a petition for protection filed by an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man from Kota. The couple informed the court that they were living together by choice.

The court's order was made available on Thursday. The couple stated that they had entered into a 'live-in agreement' on October 27, 2025. They alleged that the woman's family opposed their relationship and threatened their lives. After reporting this to the Kota police, they claimed no action was taken.

In opposition to the petition, public prosecutor Vivek Chaudhary argued that since the man is not yet 21, which is the minimum legal age for marriage, he should not be allowed to live in a 'live-in' arrangement. The court dismissed this argument, stating that the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be denied simply because the petitioners have not reached the legal marriage age.

The judge stated, 'It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the life and liberty of every individual.' He noted that there is no prohibition against 'live-in' relationships under Indian law, nor are they considered a crime. The court also directed the Superintendents of Police in Bhilwara and Jodhpur (Rural) to verify the facts mentioned in the petition and provide necessary protection to the couple if required.