In a significant legal development, the Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to create a web portal for the registration of live-in relationships. This decision was made by a single-judge bench following multiple pleas from live-in couples seeking protection under the law.
Justice Annop Kumar Dhand, while hearing the pleas, observed the growing trend of live-in relationships in the state and the challenges these couples face, particularly from their families and society. Many of these couples have approached the court seeking protection under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. According to the court, the increasing number of writ petitions filed by live-in couples reflects the urgent need for a formal mechanism to address their concerns.
In his ruling, Justice Dhand emphasized the necessity of regulating live-in relationships, acknowledging that while the concept may seem “unique” and “appealing,” it raises numerous legal and social challenges. The court noted that the status of a woman in a live-in relationship does not equate to that of a wife and often lacks societal recognition or legitimacy. As a result, the court expressed concern over the vulnerability of such relationships, particularly when it comes to safeguarding the rights of partners and children born out of such unions.
The bench suggested that until an appropriate law is enacted, the registration of live-in relationships should be handled by a competent authority or tribunal, which is to be established by the state government. This will not only provide legal recognition to these relationships but also help address grievances arising from such unions. The government has been instructed to set up a competent authority in each district to handle registration and address any concerns related to live-in relationships.
Furthermore, the court directed the state government to establish a dedicated web portal for the registration of live-in relationships. This online platform will serve as a means for couples to register their relationships and resolve any issues or grievances that may arise. The court noted that this initiative would streamline the process and ensure that individuals in live-in relationships have a formal and accessible mechanism to seek redress.
The Rajasthan High Court also issued a directive to send copies of its order to several key government departments, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary of Law and Justice, and the Secretary of Justice and Social Welfare. These officials have been asked to take immediate action and send a compliance report to the court by March 1, 2025. The court emphasized the need for swift action and the establishment of a clear process to ensure that live-in relationships are properly registered and protected under the law.
Additionally, the court referred the matter to a larger bench to address the legal question of whether individuals who are married but choose to enter into live-in relationships without dissolving their marriage are entitled to seek legal protection. This issue remains unresolved and will be examined by a larger bench of the Rajasthan High Court in the near future.
This landmark order by the Rajasthan High Court marks an important step in recognizing the legal rights of individuals in live-in relationships and seeks to bring clarity to a complex issue that has been a subject of much debate. By requiring the registration of live-in relationships, the court aims to provide a legal framework that protects the rights of partners and children, while also addressing the social challenges posed by such relationships. The move is expected to set a precedent for other states in India, fostering a more inclusive legal framework for non-traditional relationships.
