An Indian High Court has ruled that while minors in live-in relationships cannot seek legal protection from courts, adults, even those already married, should be given protection if facing threats.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that married persons entering into live-in relationships should be given protection if they are facing threats from their respective families or "moral vigilants".&nbsp;

The judgment was delivered in a case involving three separate petitions, reports Law Trend. The first involved a married man&nbsp;living with another woman in a live-in relationship. The second case, meanwhile, involved a married woman in a live-in relationship with another man.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:622,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1938}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-wing-commander-booked-after-flying-officer-accuses-him-of-rape-stalking-757532">IAF Wing Commander booked after woman flying officer accuses him of ‘rape, stalking’</a>

The third case was an appeal against a previous order from August 31, 2021, which dismissed a similar petition for a live-in couple's protection. The appellant was also ordered to pay costs.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:267,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2024}">Autonomy of body</h2>

A bench of Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Sudeepti Sharma noted that every person has "autonomy of body" and that if any assault is permitted on any live-in couple, it will be a casualty.

"Irrespective of socio-moral effect of such live-in relationships rather the preemptions of apposite assaults of any nature, befalling the live-in couple concerned, is the cornerstone of the structure laid by the Apex Court, wherebys, self autonomy in its various dynamic forms has been endowed upon the live-in couple, even if one of them is married, and, even if therebys thus decriminalised adultery does erupt. Therefore, therebys the protection to the above genre of relationship is to be granted," opined the division bench of the High Court.

However, the court observed that those with minor children should not abandon his/her duty to provide optimum care and protection to their wards.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:512,&quot;w&quot;:694,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2269}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-twelve-including-four-children-dead-in-gujarat-from-mystery-illness-after-heavy-rains-757006">India: Twelve including four children dead in Gujarat from 'mystery illness' after heavy rains</a>

It also noted that the well-being of children born out of wedlock also needs to be addressed, and that male partners in live-in relationships who father minor children have a moral obligation to maintain and care for them.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:633,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2390}">Minors and live-in relationships</h2>

While the court noted the 'autonomy of body' of an adult person, it said that due to statutory limitations on the capacity of minors to make autonomous decisions, they cannot seek legal protection.

"A minor in a live-in relationship with an adult or where the live-in relationship is partnered only by minors, the concerned cannot seek the protection from the courts of law."

"The reason for reaching the conclusion is firmly embedded in the factum that a minor belonging to any religious denomination is incompetent to contract. If so, he/she has no capacity even to make choices or to express his/her freedom," said the bench.

The bench further elaborated that, under several Indian statutes including the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, the Guardians and Wards Act and the Indian Majority Act, minors were legally restricted from entering into contracts.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian High Court has ruled that while minors in live-in relationships cannot seek legal protection from courts, adults, even those already married, should be given protection if facing threats.

An Indian High Court has ruled that while minors in live-in relationships cannot seek legal protection from courts, adults, even those already married, should be given protection if facing threats. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that married persons entering into live-in relationships should be given protection if they are facing threats from their respective families or "moral vigilants". The judgment was delivered in a case involving three separate petitions, reports Law Trend. The first involved a married man living with another woman in a live-in relationship. The second case, meanwhile, involved a married woman in a live-in relationship with another man. Also read | IAF Wing Commander booked after woman flying officer accuses him of ‘rape, stalking’ The third case was an appeal against a previous order from August 31, 2021, which dismissed a similar petition for a live-in couple's protection. The appellant was also ordered to pay costs. Autonomy of body A bench of Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Sudeepti Sharma noted that every person has "autonomy of body" and that if any assault is permitted on any live-in couple, it will be a casualty. "Irrespective of socio-moral effect of such live-in relationships rather the preemptions of apposite assaults of any nature, befalling the live-in couple concerned, is the cornerstone of the structure laid by the Apex Court, wherebys, self autonomy in its various dynamic forms has been endowed upon the live-in couple, even if one of them is married, and, even if therebys thus decriminalised adultery does erupt. Therefore, therebys the protection to the above genre of relationship is to be granted," opined the division bench of the High Court. However, the court observed that those with minor children should not abandon his/her duty to provide optimum care and protection to their wards. Also read | India: Twelve including four children dead in Gujarat from 'mystery illness' after heavy rains It also noted that the well-being of children born out of wedlock also needs to be addressed, and that male partners in live-in relationships who father minor children have a moral obligation to maintain and care for them. Minors and live-in relationships While the court noted the 'autonomy of body' of an adult person, it said that due to statutory limitations on the capacity of minors to make autonomous decisions, they cannot seek legal protection. "A minor in a live-in relationship with an adult or where the live-in relationship is partnered only by minors, the concerned cannot seek the protection from the courts of law." "The reason for reaching the conclusion is firmly embedded in the factum that a minor belonging to any religious denomination is incompetent to contract. If so, he/she has no capacity even to make choices or to express his/her freedom," said the bench. The bench further elaborated that, under several Indian statutes including the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, the Guardians and Wards Act and the Indian Majority Act, minors were legally restricted from entering into contracts. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Court rules married adults in live-in can be given protection, excludes minors in similar relationships

Once the Uniform Civil Code is enacted in Uttarakhand, individuals engaging in live-in relationships, including those planning to enter such arrangements, must register with district officials, reports&nbsp;ANI. Moreover, parental consent is mandatory for individuals below 21 years of age.

Live-in relationships will not be registered under certain conditions, such as if they contravene public policy or morality, involve a married or otherwise committed partner, or if one partner is a minor. Consent obtained through coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation will also invalidate registration.

A dedicated website will facilitate the registration process, with details subject to verification by the District Registrar. A "summary inquiry" will be conducted to validate the relationship, with the Registrar authorised to summon involved parties or witnesses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uniform-civil-code-bill-tabled-in-uttarakhand-assembly-by-cm-dhami-live-updates-687375">Also read |&nbsp;India: Uniform Civil Code Bill tabled in Uttarakhand assembly by CM Dhami</a>

<h2>Consequences of refusal or termination</h2>

Should registration be refused, the Registrar must provide written reasons. Termination of registered relationships requires a prescribed format statement, which, if deemed incorrect or suspicious, may trigger police investigation. Parents or guardians of individuals under 21 must be informed.

Failure to declare live-in relationships or providing false information can result in imprisonment&nbsp;for up to three months, a fine of ₹25,000 ($300), or both. Non-registration may lead to a maximum six-month jail term, a ₹25,000 ($300) fine, or both. Even a delayed registration could incur penalties.

Also watch |&nbsp;Nijjar killing: India refuses to aid Canada in probe till evidence is shared

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nijjar-killing-india-refuses-to-aid-canada-in-probe-till-evidence-is-shared-687480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Children born out of live-in relationships will be considered legitimate and entitled to legal recognition. They will have equal inheritance rights, regardless of gender.

Women deserted by their live-in partners can claim maintenance, though 'desertion' remains undefined.

The introduction of a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand fulfills a key electoral promise of the BJP government. Drafted after extensive public consultation, it aims to standardise personal laws, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Similar initiatives are underway in other BJP-ruled states like Assam, with exemptions for tribal communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Once the Uniform Civil Code is enacted in Uttarakhand, individuals engaging in live-in relationships, including those planning to enter such arrangements, must register with district officials, reports ANI.

Once the Uniform Civil Code is enacted in Uttarakhand, individuals engaging in live-in relationships, including those planning to enter such arrangements, must register with district officials, reports ANI. Moreover, parental consent is mandatory for individuals below 21 years of age. Live-in relationships will not be registered under certain conditions, such as if they contravene public policy or morality, involve a married or otherwise committed partner, or if one partner is a minor. Consent obtained through coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation will also invalidate registration. A dedicated website will facilitate the registration process, with details subject to verification by the District Registrar. A "summary inquiry" will be conducted to validate the relationship, with the Registrar authorised to summon involved parties or witnesses. Also read | India: Uniform Civil Code Bill tabled in Uttarakhand assembly by CM Dhami Consequences of refusal or termination Should registration be refused, the Registrar must provide written reasons. Termination of registered relationships requires a prescribed format statement, which, if deemed incorrect or suspicious, may trigger police investigation. Parents or guardians of individuals under 21 must be informed. Failure to declare live-in relationships or providing false information can result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of ₹25,000 ($300), or both. Non-registration may lead to a maximum six-month jail term, a ₹25,000 ($300) fine, or both. Even a delayed registration could incur penalties. Also watch | Nijjar killing: India refuses to aid Canada in probe till evidence is shared Children born out of live-in relationships will be considered legitimate and entitled to legal recognition. They will have equal inheritance rights, regardless of gender. Women deserted by their live-in partners can claim maintenance, though 'desertion' remains undefined. The introduction of a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand fulfills a key electoral promise of the BJP government. Drafted after extensive public consultation, it aims to standardise personal laws, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Similar initiatives are underway in other BJP-ruled states like Assam, with exemptions for tribal communities. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Uttarakhand mandates live-in registrations, requires parental approval for under-21s

A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning&nbsp;his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26).&nbsp;The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of&nbsp;cheating on him.&nbsp;

The accused has been identified as&nbsp;Vaishnav, an engineering graduate, hailing from&nbsp;Kollam, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the victim, 24-year-old Devi was from&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram.

They both studied together in college and worked alongside in the sales and marketing sector.&nbsp;Having known each other for several years, they had been living together for the past two years at a rented apartment in the MICO Layout, informed police.&nbsp;

Police confirmed that the accused admitted to having been irked by his partner growing close to another man, which led to the cold-blooded murder. Neighbours said the couple fought regularly but none of them had filed a police complaint against each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-murder-case-20-yr-old-accused-sahil-arrested-murder-weapon-yet-to-be-recovered-598732">WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered</a>

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According to reports, as the couple's differences widened, Devi's sister Krishna counselled the two at her residence on Saturday. However, upon returning home, another argument flared up between Devi and Vaishnav. As the fight escalated, Vaishnav,&nbsp;in a fit of rage, grabbed a pressure cooker and smashed Devi's head multiple times, leading to an instant death, the police said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Vaishnav had some doubts about the deceased, and they fought over it. On Sunday, this happened again, and he hit the woman with a cooker," CK Baba, senior police officer of South Bengaluru, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

<h2>Infidelity and murder&nbsp;</h2>

This is not the first instance when doubt regarding a partner's fidelity has led to murder in an Indian state.&nbsp;Earlier this month,&nbsp;a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-strangulates-wife-in-front-of-kids-was-jealous-of-her-instagram-followers-625215">Also read |&nbsp;India: Man strangulates wife in front of kids, was jealous of her Instagram followers</a>

The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following.&nbsp;The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26). The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of cheating on him.

A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26). The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of cheating on him. The accused has been identified as Vaishnav, an engineering graduate, hailing from Kollam, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the victim, 24-year-old Devi was from Thiruvananthapuram. They both studied together in college and worked alongside in the sales and marketing sector. Having known each other for several years, they had been living together for the past two years at a rented apartment in the MICO Layout, informed police. Police confirmed that the accused admitted to having been irked by his partner growing close to another man, which led to the cold-blooded murder. Neighbours said the couple fought regularly but none of them had filed a police complaint against each other. WATCH | Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered According to reports, as the couple's differences widened, Devi's sister Krishna counselled the two at her residence on Saturday. However, upon returning home, another argument flared up between Devi and Vaishnav. As the fight escalated, Vaishnav, in a fit of rage, grabbed a pressure cooker and smashed Devi's head multiple times, leading to an instant death, the police said. "Vaishnav had some doubts about the deceased, and they fought over it. On Sunday, this happened again, and he hit the woman with a cooker," CK Baba, senior police officer of South Bengaluru, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Infidelity and murder This is not the first instance when doubt regarding a partner's fidelity has led to murder in an Indian state. Earlier this month, a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV. Also read | India: Man strangulates wife in front of kids, was jealous of her Instagram followers The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following. The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Bengaluru man bludgeons live-in partner to death with pressure cooker

Indonesia's proposed criminal code bans sex outside marriage, cohabitation before marriage. The code applies to Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors. Where does it leave the Right to privacy and Indonesia's tourism industry? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Indonesia set to ban sex outside marriage and live-in relationships

A Union minister in India has drawn flak for blaming live-in relationship for increasing crimes. He made his remarks in connection with horrific Mehrauli murder which involved a woman in a live-in relationship with a man being brutally murdered and chopped into pieces. Union minister Kaushal Kishore on Thursday (November 17) said that such relationships were "giving rise to crime" and that educated girls should not get into such relationships.&nbsp;

Kishore, while referring to the Shraddha Walkar murder case, said educated girls are responsible for leaving parents for live-in relationships that lead to crime, and suggested that they should instead go for court marriage.

"It is the responsibility of girls also, as they leave their parents, who have reared them up for years, in one go. Why are they opting for live-in relationships. If they have to do so, there should be proper registration for live-in relationships. If parents are not willing publicly for such relationships, you should have a court marriage and then live together."

"These incidents are happening with all those girls who are well educated and think they are very frank and have the ability to take decisions about their future. Such girls get embroiled in this. The girls should take care as to why they are doing so. Educated girls are responsible as both the father and mother had opposed the relationship. Educated girls should not get into such relationships," he told News18&nbsp;while referring to the Walkar murder case.

"What is this live-in relationship, this is giving rise to crime and it is a wrong thing and people are facing its consequences," the minister also said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shraddha-walkar-murder-case-dating-app-bumble-will-remain-available-to-help-police-535036">Shraddha Walkar murder: Dating app Bumble says will 'remain available' to assist police in probe</a>

Kishore faced criticism from Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi who urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Kishore immediately for his "blame-the-women" remark which she described as "heartless and cruel". Kishore is the Union minister of state for housing and urban affairs.

Shiv Sena MP Chaturvedi tweeted, "If @PMOIndia really means what he says about women Shakti then he must sack this Union minister immediately. We the women have had enough of carrying the burden of such patriarchal rubbish in the society."

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If <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> really means what he says about women Shakti then he must sack this Union Minister immediately. We the women have had enough of carrying the burden of such patriarchal rubbish in the society.
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1593129999976263680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Chaturvedi took to Twitter to say, "Surprised he didn't say girls are responsible for being born in&nbsp;this nation. Shameless, heartless and cruel, blame-the-woman-for-all problems mentality continues to thrive."

A Union minister in India has drawn flak for blaming live-in relationship for increasing crimes. He made his remarks in connection with horrific Mehrauli murder which involved a woman in a live-in relationship with a man being brutally murdered and chopped into pieces.

A Union minister in India has drawn flak for blaming live-in relationship for increasing crimes. He made his remarks in connection with horrific Mehrauli murder which involved a woman in a live-in relationship with a man being brutally murdered and chopped into pieces. Union minister Kaushal Kishore on Thursday (November 17) said that such relationships were "giving rise to crime" and that educated girls should not get into such relationships. Kishore, while referring to the Shraddha Walkar murder case, said educated girls are responsible for leaving parents for live-in relationships that lead to crime, and suggested that they should instead go for court marriage. "It is the responsibility of girls also, as they leave their parents, who have reared them up for years, in one go. Why are they opting for live-in relationships. If they have to do so, there should be proper registration for live-in relationships. If parents are not willing publicly for such relationships, you should have a court marriage and then live together." "These incidents are happening with all those girls who are well educated and think they are very frank and have the ability to take decisions about their future. Such girls get embroiled in this. The girls should take care as to why they are doing so. Educated girls are responsible as both the father and mother had opposed the relationship. Educated girls should not get into such relationships," he told News18 while referring to the Walkar murder case. "What is this live-in relationship, this is giving rise to crime and it is a wrong thing and people are facing its consequences," the minister also said. Also Read | Shraddha Walkar murder: Dating app Bumble says will 'remain available' to assist police in probe Kishore faced criticism from Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi who urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Kishore immediately for his "blame-the-women" remark which she described as "heartless and cruel". Kishore is the Union minister of state for housing and urban affairs. Shiv Sena MP Chaturvedi tweeted, "If @PMOIndia really means what he says about women Shakti then he must sack this Union minister immediately. We the women have had enough of carrying the burden of such patriarchal rubbish in the society." If @PMOIndia really means what he says about women Shakti then he must sack this Union Minister immediately. We the women have had enough of carrying the burden of such patriarchal rubbish in the society. — Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) November 17, 2022 × Chaturvedi took to Twitter to say, "Surprised he didn't say girls are responsible for being born in this nation. Shameless, heartless and cruel, blame-the-woman-for-all problems mentality continues to thrive."

Live-in relationships  are 'giving rise to crime,' says Indian minister

An Indian court has said live-in relationships are socially and morally not acceptable. Can courts play moral police? Or is it their job to do what's legally (not morally) right. WION’s Palki Sharma says- courts must stay in tune with the times.

Gravitas: Indian court: Live-in relationships morally unacceptable

An adult couple has a right to live together without marriage, the Supreme Court said, while asserting that a 20-year-old Kerala woman, whose marriage had been annulled, could choose whom she wanted to live with.&nbsp;

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The top court held that live-in relationships were now even recognized by the Legislature and they had found a place under the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.&nbsp;

The observations came while the apex court was hearing a plea filed by one Nandakumar against a Kerala High Court order annulling his marriage with Thushara on the ground that he had not attained the legal age of marriage.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act states that a girl can't marry before the age of 18, and a boy before 21.

Nandakumar, who had approached the top court, will turn 21 on May 30 this year.

The high court had also granted the custody of Thushara to her father after noting that she was not Nandakumar's "lawfully wedded" wife.

A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said their marriage could not said to be "null and void" merely because Nandakumar was less than 21 years of age at the time of marriage.

"Appellant no 1 as well as Thushara are Hindus. Such a marriage is not a void marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and as per the provisions of section 12, which can be attracted in such a case, at the most, the marriage would be a voidable marriage...

"It is sufficient to note that both appellant no 1 and Thushara are major. Even if they were not competent to enter into wedlock (which position itself is disputed), they have right to live together even outside wedlock," the bench said.

While setting aside the order of the high court granting custody of woman to her father, the apex court said that "we make it clear that the freedom of choice would be of Thushara as to with whom she wants to live".

It also referred to a recent case involving a woman from Kerala, Hadiya, where it had restored her marriage with Shafin Jahan on the ground that it was a marriage between two consenting adults.

The apex court had also clarified that a court cannot interfere in the marriage of two consenting adult and cannot annul the marriage in a habeas corpus (a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, for securing the person's release) petition.&nbsp;

The top court held that live-in relationships were now even recognized by the Legislature and they had found a place under the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

An adult couple has a right to live together without marriage, the Supreme Court said, while asserting that a 20-year-old Kerala woman, whose marriage had been annulled, could choose whom she wanted to live with. × The top court held that live-in relationships were now even recognized by the Legislature and they had found a place under the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The observations came while the apex court was hearing a plea filed by one Nandakumar against a Kerala High Court order annulling his marriage with Thushara on the ground that he had not attained the legal age of marriage. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act states that a girl can't marry before the age of 18, and a boy before 21. Nandakumar, who had approached the top court, will turn 21 on May 30 this year. The high court had also granted the custody of Thushara to her father after noting that she was not Nandakumar's "lawfully wedded" wife. A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said their marriage could not said to be "null and void" merely because Nandakumar was less than 21 years of age at the time of marriage. "Appellant no 1 as well as Thushara are Hindus. Such a marriage is not a void marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and as per the provisions of section 12, which can be attracted in such a case, at the most, the marriage would be a voidable marriage... "It is sufficient to note that both appellant no 1 and Thushara are major. Even if they were not competent to enter into wedlock (which position itself is disputed), they have right to live together even outside wedlock," the bench said. While setting aside the order of the high court granting custody of woman to her father, the apex court said that "we make it clear that the freedom of choice would be of Thushara as to with whom she wants to live". It also referred to a recent case involving a woman from Kerala, Hadiya, where it had restored her marriage with Shafin Jahan on the ground that it was a marriage between two consenting adults. The apex court had also clarified that a court cannot interfere in the marriage of two consenting adult and cannot annul the marriage in a habeas corpus (a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, for securing the person's release) petition.

Adult couple can live together without marriage: Supreme Court

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