Exploring the Live-in Relationship in the Context of Changing Hindu Marriage Traditions: A Field Survey Analysis

Abstract In past few years there has been a considerable increase in the number of non-marital living together couples. An increasing number of couples suggest that youth prefer a live-in relationship over marriage. Increase in the number of such couples has also given rise to various economic, social, religious and legal issues and continue to do so. At the legal and on the ground of ‘Hindu Marriage’, there is no specific law to regulate live-in relationships in India and the ‘Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 does not recognize such relationship. However, the protection of woman from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 recognises the right of women in a live-in relationship which is ‘in the nature of marriage’ to receive maintenance/alimony and protection against any form of abuse. Hence This study is an at attempt to collect a primary data and analyse the socio-legal position of live-in relationship and Hindu Marriage in India.