The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ruled that live-in relationships are not illegal and that the state is bound to protect every citizen from any threats or interference, regardless of their marital status, The Indian Express reported.

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh ruled that living together without marriage is not an offence, and that adults in live-in relationships are entitled to the protection of life and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution, Bar and Bench reported.

“Mere fact that the petitioners have not solemnized marriage, would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in the Constitution of India being citizens of India,” the court said.

The ruling came in response to petitions filed by 12 women in live-in relationships who sought police protection after alleging threats to their lives, The Indian Express reported.

They claimed that they had approached local police for help but received no support.

In response to the petitions, the court held: “The concept of a live-in relationship may not be acceptable to all, but it cannot be said that such a relationship is an illegal one or that living together without the sanctity of the marriage constitutes an offence.”

Singh emphasised on an adult’s right to autonomy including in matters of choosing a partner and where to live, Bar and Bench reported.

“Once an individual, who is a...

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