LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS IN INDIA: CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION, JUDICIAL EVOLUTION, AND THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Live-in relationships have become a major social feature in present-day India and have raised complex legal issues regarding how they should be recognized and regulated. There is no express definition or legislation of ‘live-in relationships’ in Indian law. However, courts have addressed various issues arising from these relationships, including women's rights, children's legitimacy, and maintenance. In this context, the judiciary has interpreted the right to life, liberty, and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution to encompass the interests of individuals in live-in relationships. This paper deals with concepts such as what is called a live-in relationship, the legal definition of “relationship like marriage”, the protection given under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the extent of maintenance and succession claims. The article examines the constitutional, statutory, and judicial development concerning live-in relationships in India. It offers a significant analysis of the current legislation, identifies inconsistencies and several practical challenges in the current situation, and suggests a discrete legislative solution. Keywords: Live-in relationships, societal morality, cohabitation, Article 21, Indian Legal System.