Live-in-relationship cannot be at the cost of social fabric of this Country: Allahabad High Court

Credits: Hindustan Times

By - Sameeksha Negi*

The Allahabad High Court has recently rejected the plea of a married woman, seeking protection from her husband who was allegedly interfering in her live-in relationship with another man. 

The bench comprising Justice Subhash Chand and Justice Kaushal Jayendra Thaker dismissed the petition filed by the woman and her live-in partner and imposed a cost of Rs. 5000. 

In the considered opinion of the bench, granting police protection to the petitioner and her live-in partner would indirectly imply assent of the court to such illicit relationships. The married woman had filed the plea for immediate protection, stating that she was living with her live-in partner and their lives were in danger due to her husband, therefore she sought protection against him. The petitioner also alleged that she left her husband because of the apathetic and torturing behaviour of her husband.

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The court after hearing the parties concerned said that if her husband barged into their house then a criminal complaint can be filed against him but “none law abiding citizen who is already married under the Hindu Marriage Act can seek protection of this court for illicit relationship, which is not within the purview of the social fabric of the country.” 

The bench further stated that if she has any difference with her husband, she could move to get separated from her husband as per law. The court, however, clarified, “We hold that we are not against granting protection to people who want to live together irrespective of the fact as to which community, caste or sex they belong to.”

CLICK HERE TO READ ORDER.

*Sameeksha Negi has completed LL.M. from IMS Unison University, Dehradun this year.