SC: Adult Couples Can Live Together Without Being Married

May 8, 2018

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of a Kerala applicant (who had filed an appeal against a Kerala HC order) and stated categorically, that an adult couple had a right to live together, even without attaining the marriageable age.

The SC also added 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.

Jaya Banerjee, Social Activist says, “The ruling by the Supreme Court is a welcome ruling, especially given the moral policing rampant in society about issues such.

On a realistic note, the moral policing never ends and it’s something that individuals will keep facing given the diversity of society. We do have fundamental rights as individuals, and ever so often many of these rights are violated because of certain sections of society, though there are cases of many of these rights are abused.”

The Supreme Court ruling brings a welcome legality to the ever-changing society. Do adults live together without being in the institution of marriage? Yes, they do. And they bear consequences of the society too who name and shame them often.

Acceptance by law and acceptance by society are two different things in our country. With this ruling comes a responsibility, on the part of individuals too, who choose to live together.

They must know their rights and how these may differ from the rights of being in a legal marriage, for example, the legislatures in terms of Prevention of Domestic Violence, or Property Laws etc.

All in all, I think it’s a fair ruling and a welcome one. If two adult boys can be room-mates or two adult women can be room-mates, then why cant a woman and a man who choose to live together be allowed to do so?

Parikshit Kulkarni, Marketing executive says, “I think it’s a right decision because marriage is not the only thing which is important in a relationship.

Commitment is far more important and moreover, in a decade from now, live-in relationships will be very common in our country so there should be a legal provision allowing this too.”

“How mature are a couple that stays in a live-in relationship?” quips Jayprakash Singh, a senior software professional. The decision has certainly given freedom to individuals, but we live in a society were people don’t accept live in relationships.

Adults staying together without marriage will drastically increase the opportunities for casual sex, I don’t mean that every adult who plans to stay together will take it as an opportunity.

The city has always been known for their culture and been different. People from different parts of the country have been living in Pune and the city off late seems to have accepted these live-in relationships.

Personally, I feel that adults living-in is not a good idea, Singh adds.

Gauri Waghere, HR “Staying together doesn’t always mean a bed of roses, and there will be ups and downs. Married people are not able to deal with few many things even after several years of marriage…

God knows how people who have just entered adulthood will cope with it.”

There is nothing wrong either way and it is finally dependent on how the couple deals with it. It is not going to be easy for adults who choose to live-in. After all, staying together will add to your responsibilities, from running a house, to the compromise of your freedom.

It is indeed a welcome decision, but live your life, before you want to compromise your personal space” Gauri adds.

#All views expressed in this column are those of the individual respondents and Pune365 does not necessarily subscribe to them.