Live-In Relationships in India: The Need for Laws
In an era of evolving social norms, the debate around live-in relationships in India is becoming increasingly relevant. A recent piece in Deccan Herald highlights why experts believe that live-in partnerships need formal legal recognition, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by couples who choose cohabitation outside marriage.
Inner Dawn Counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald on 01-Oct-25
Live-In Relationships in India: A Changing Reality
Many couples in India opt to live together without marriage for personal reasons, yet this choice often exists in a legal grey zone. Experts say that the lack of legal recognition contributes to:
- Anxiety and insecurity in partners over their rights and future.
- Family conflicts, with parents or relatives frequently unaware or unsupportive of the arrangement.
- Mental health stressors, as couples juggle societal stigma and uncertain legal protections.
Why Experts Are Calling for Legal Recognition
Therapists and relationship specialists argue that legal status would:
- Help safeguard emotional and financial rights of both individuals.
- Reduce the power imbalance and exploitation that can occur when one partner feels insecure about their position.
- Provide clarity in matters such as child custody, property rights, inheritance, and domestic responsibilities.
Without a legal framework, many couples are left vulnerable when relationships change or break down. Recognition could provide much-needed structure and legal recourse similar to what marriages afford.
Live-In Relationships, Law, and Social Acceptance
India’s legal stance currently allows adults to cohabit, and the Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutional right to choose one’s partner. However, this right does not automatically translate into full legal protection or social security benefits. Courts in various states have made rulings to bridge some gaps, but a comprehensive law is still missing. And there still the matter of social acceptance of couples in live-in relationships.
The recent crimes reported in the media, where the harm has allegedly been caused by the live-in partner, have really put a spotlight on the vulnerability of the state of live-in relationships and the level of social acceptance of such relationships.
What would legalization mean for couples in live-in relationships
As lifestyles shift and relationships evolve, the conversation around legalising live-in partnerships gains urgency. For couples choosing this path, it’s not just about cohabitation but about rights, dignity, and security. Recognising live-in ties legally could be a transformative step toward modernising family law in India.