Live-in relationships have become part and parcel of life, approved by SC: Allahabad High Court

Live-in relationships should be viewed from the lens of personal autonomy rather than notions of social morality, the Allahabad High Court recently observed (Shayara Khatun @ Shaira Khatun And Another v. State of U.P). .A Division Bench comprising Justices Pritinker Diwaker and Ashutosh Srivastava further said that live-in relationships have become a part and parcel of life and have also been approved by the Supreme Court of India."Live-in-relationships have become part and parcel of life and stand approved by the Hon'ble Apex Court. The live-in relationship is required to be viewed from the lens of personal autonomy arising out of the right to live guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, rather than, notions of social morality. The right to life enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India is liable to be protected at all costs," the order said.The Court made these observations while hearing a plea moved by an interfaith live-in couple alleging threat to their lives from the relatives of the woman. The plea was moved by one, Shayara Khatun and her partner who were both major and practicing different religious faith, and were stated to be in a live-in-relationship for more than two years.The counsel for petitioners alleged that the father of Khatun was interfering with the day-to-day life of the petitioners. It was contended that they had approached the concerned police authorities, but the police did not extend any help and consequently, the life and liberty of the petitioners are in danger..The Court said that the police authorities are obligated to protect the rights of the petitioners.The court disposed of the plea with a direction that in the event the petitioners approach the police authorities complaining of any threat to their life and liberty, the police should perform their duties as expected from them under law. "In the event, the petitioners approach the police authorities complaining of any threat to their life and liberty, we hope and trust that the police authorities shall perform their duties as expected from them under law," the order stated..[Read Order]