Navigating the Legal Landscape, a comprehensive study on Live-In Relationships in India

Abstract

A concept live-in-relationship progressed with the changing times and with the changing social rules of society. As we can see a crucial change in our Indian Culture and in its social construction in the recent years. That crucial change is called live-in-relationships. It means the cohabitation of individuals without formal marriage. But, still these type of bonds doesn’t have any legal recognition and considered taboo in India. As it is considered against the rituals and the norms of any society and culture, but in today’s times, these relationships are being accepted in various places of India. Historically, Indian society primarily adhered to the sanctity of marital institutions. However, societal changes of shifting mindsets and legal development have gradually reshaped perceptions surrounding live-in relationships. In today’s time live-in relationships are not considered as a criminal offence and they are not illegal. Every culture of society is subject to change and so has the Indian society. The form of togetherness and love has taken a different form known as live-in relationships. My research aims to overview the acknowledged status of live-in relationships in India.