Legal analysis reveals persistent statutory gaps surrounding live-in relationships in India, highlighting the necessity of dedicated legislation to safeguard partners and children.
Live-in relationships have gradually become more common with time with time, especially among people living in urban areas and young adults. However, the legal position of such relationships is still not certain because there is no such law that governs them. Over the years, the courts have recognized that two consenting adults have the right to live together even without marriage as it is their right to liberty, privacy, dignity, and personal choice under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. At the same time, there are many legal issues which are unresolved, particularly those relating to maintenance, property rights, inheritance, and the protection of women and children.This chapter examines how the courts of India have gradually recognized live-in relationships. It also discusses the legal problems faced by the women after getting separated from their partner and the legal status of children in live-in relationship. It highlights that there is a need for a separate law on live-in relationships that protects the rights of partners and children while respecting individual choice and the constitutional values of equality, dignity, and personal liberty.
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Gusain et al. (2026) studied this question.
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