**Title:** Allahabad High Court Orders Protection for Live-In Couples
**Meta Description:** The Allahabad High Court mandates Gujarat Police to protect 12 live-in couples facing threats, affirming their constitutional rights.
**URL Slug:** allahabad-high-court-live-in-couples-protection
**Headline:** Allahabad High Court Upholds Rights of Live-In Couples, Orders Immediate Protection
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has instructed the Gujarat Police to provide immediate protection to 12 live-in couples who reported threats from their families and alleged police inaction regarding their safety. The court emphasized that the lack of formal marriage does not diminish an individual’s fundamental right to life.
Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, who presided over the case, affirmed that adults in live-in relationships are entitled to the protection of life and personal liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution. He noted a growing trend of such petitions, with couples increasingly seeking judicial intervention after claiming local police failed to address their concerns.
The court stated, “The right to human life is to be treated on a much higher pedestal, regardless of a citizen being minor or major, married or unmarried.” It rejected the argument that the absence of a formal marriage undermines constitutional protections, asserting that petitioners retain their fundamental rights as citizens of India.
Citing precedents from the Supreme Court, Justice Singh highlighted that the right to choose a partner is an essential aspect of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. Any interference with this choice constitutes a violation of constitutional freedoms. The judge clarified that the court was not assessing the social acceptance of live-in relationships but rather addressing the legal protections afforded to adults who choose to cohabit.
The High Court underscored the importance of adult autonomy, stating, “Once an individual, who is a major, has chosen his/her partner, it is not for any other person, be it a family member, to object and cause a hindrance to their peaceful existence.” The court reiterated the state’s responsibility to safeguard the life and liberty of every citizen, emphasizing that it is the constitutional duty of authorities to ensure such protection.
Additionally, the court referenced the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which recognizes non-marital cohabitation and provides legal remedies for women in domestic relationships without requiring marriage.
In granting all 12 petitions, the court directed the police to ensure immediate protection for the couples, provided they are verified as adults living together voluntarily. The petitioners were authorized to approach the Commissioner of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, or Superintendent of Police with a certified copy of the court’s order.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What did the Allahabad High Court rule regarding live-in couples?**
A: The court ordered the Gujarat Police to provide immediate protection to 12 live-in couples facing threats, affirming their constitutional rights to life and personal liberty.
