Live-In Relationship: Recent Development and Challenges in India

Abstract

To be or not to be in live-in relationship is the most debated question after Supreme Court’s recent observation on the issue of live-in relationship in the context of Tamil actress Khushboo’s statement on premarital sex. Supreme Court held that, live-in relationship is not an offense. India is a country which having rich values, traditions, customs and beliefs are the important sources of law. Marriage is a sacred union, gets legal effects and high respect in society. Marriage is a social institution and one of the important parts of Indian culture. Our country, which has strong cultural roots, focuses on morality and social ethics. But with changing times, we have started to follow the Western culture, which is totally different than Indian culture. A certain section of India too seems to have followed the Western culture i.e. of live- in relationship. This article gives focus on decision delivered by the Supreme Court of India, its effects on the society and new challenges. Change in law for a small section would surely affect the country’s whole population. Chances are fair that the coming generations might forget the importance of marriage and follow illegitimate relationships. Live in relationship directly affecting the status of wife, children, family and whole country. Our society has to play important role of watchdog to deny concept of live-in relationship and misinterpretation of marriage. Otherwise our identity, humanity and our rich ancient culture, tradition will be in grave danger.

Keywords: live-in relationship, recent development in India, challenges