Rajasthan High Court Affirms Rights of Young Adults in Live-In Relationships

Court Ruling on Live-In Relationships

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that two consenting adults can engage in a live-in relationship even if they have not attained the legal marriage age, as reported on Friday.

In India, the legal marriage age is set at 18 for women and 21 for men.

Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand issued this ruling on Monday while addressing a petition from an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man, according to reports from a legal news source.

The couple sought protection from the woman's family, who allegedly threatened their lives.

They claimed to have filed complaints with the police in Kota on November 13 and November 17, but reported no action was taken.

The public prosecutor, Vivek Choudhary, opposed the petition, arguing that the male partner's underage status should prevent them from being in a live-in relationship.

However, the court dismissed this argument, referencing Supreme Court rulings that affirm a live-in relationship between consenting adults is not a criminal offense.

Justice Dhand emphasized that the couple's right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be infringed upon due to the man's age.

He stated, “The state has a constitutional duty to protect the life and liberty of every individual,” as quoted by the news source.

The court also instructed the police to evaluate the threats faced by the couple and provide necessary protection.