Property Rights of Live-in Partners in India

As live-in relationships become more common in India, the law has struggled to keep pace with the changing nature of personal relationships. Although courts have recognized the legitimacy of adults choosing to live together without marriage, there is still no clear legal framework governing their property rights. Questions relating to ownership, inheritance, and the division of property after separation or the death of a partner remain largely unresolved. This article explores the existing legal position by examining constitutional principles, relevant statutes, and key judicial decisions. It argues that the current dependence on judicial interpretation creates uncertainty and often leaves financially vulnerable partners without adequate protection. It also advocates the need for a balanced legal framework that protects property rights while respecting individual choice and the evolving realities of modern relationships.