Live - in Relationships under Indian Law: A Socio - Legal Analysis

Live-in relationships in India represent a shift from traditional marital norms towards individual autonomy and personal choice. Although not expressly codified, such relationships have received judicial recognition under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. However, this recognition coexists with persistent social stigma, creating a tension between constitutional morality and societal values. Judicial interpretation, particularly in D. Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal and Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma, has defined the scope of “relationships in the nature of marriage” and extended protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Recent High Court judgments (2020–2025) further reinforce the right of consenting adults to cohabit. This paper critically examines whether the existing legal framework adequately protects individuals, particularly women, and highlights the need for a comprehensive statutory regime.