A Study of Rights in Live-In Relationship

Live-in relationship is increasingly adopted by many partners in the present days. The relationship is not a new concept emerged in modern era rather it can be traced back to ancient India and several tribes living in India. The obligations and prolonged legal process of divorce are some of the factors that increase the number of live-in relationship. Such between two major persons who are qualified for marriage has been allowed legally in India. Court has formed certain criteria to be fulfilled to be a marriage like nature. The study aims at analysing the various rights and obligations arise from the live-in relationship and its validation under different personal laws. Personal laws have not recognized such relationship. However, the women in the live-in relationships are protected and maintained by various secular laws as well as children born out of them are been considered as legitimate. However, their rights are different than the legitimate children of valid marriage. The courts have progressively made judgments to protect the children born out of such relationship as they have not chosen to be in this position. In the Indian patriarchal society, there is a need to analyse whether the quantum of protection woman get is in accordance to the sufferings they received. Also, there needs to be protection for men in the relationship as well for the law to give justice to all.