Live In Relationships and its Impact on the Institution of Marriage in India

Abstract

Marriage is a sacred union and one of the important parts of Indian culture. As a result, as a social institution, it has legal implications and a high respect in society. However, changing times have seen the gradual emergence of the Western cultural idea of a live- in relationship, which is under criticism and highly debated regarding its legality and implication on societal relationships & set up. Though there is no explicit legislation, long term cohabitation between a man and a woman has long been equated to a valid marriage by the court as implied in other legislation. This article seeks to clarify the current legal status of live-in relationship in India and current developments in the attitude of the Courts in granting various rights to live-in partners in India. This Paper  also tries to identify the need of a proper legal regime for ensuring the rights of live-in partners in India. It concludes that there is a need for a special statutory legislation and clearly laying down the rights and liabilities of each party & to remove clouds of all kind doubts.