In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has declared that adults can legally enter into a live-in relationship even if they have not attained the age considered legally permissible for marriage. This judgement provides a fresh perspective on personal liberty and the right to choose one's partner in contemporary Indian society.
The Case That Led to the Ruling
The landmark decision was delivered by Justice Anoop Dhand on December 5, 2025. The court was hearing a plea for protection filed by a young couple from Kota. The woman, aged 18, and the man, aged 19, approached the court stating that they were cohabiting out of their own free will and sought protection from potential threats or interference.
The couple's legal representation argued that as consenting adults, they had the fundamental right to live together, a right that is protected under the Constitution. The court's ruling essentially shields such relationships from legal challenges based solely on the partners not meeting the traditional marriageable age criteria, which is 21 for men and 18 for women under Indian law.
Court's Reasoning and Legal Implications
Justice Dhand's judgement underscores the evolving interpretation of personal laws and individual freedoms. The court recognized the distinction between the institution of marriage and a live-in arrangement. While marriage carries specific legal age requirements and societal sanctions, a consensual live-in relationship between adults is viewed through the lens of personal choice and the right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
This ruling has several important implications:
- It strengthens the legal standing of live-in relationships across India, particularly for young adults.
- It clarifies that police or other authorities cannot harass or separate consenting adult couples in a live-in setup merely because they are below the marriageable age.
- It reinforces the principle that the right to choose a partner and cohabit is a fundamental aspect of personal autonomy.
Broader Social Context and Reactions
The judgement arrives amidst ongoing national conversations about relationship norms, individual rights, and the role of the state in personal lives. Legal experts suggest this ruling aligns with previous Supreme Court observations that have increasingly acknowledged live-in relationships as a legitimate social reality.
While the decision is likely to be welcomed by advocates for personal liberty, it may also spark debate among more conservative sections of society. However, the court's focus remained firmly on the legal rights of consenting adults. The ruling from the Rajasthan High Court is expected to serve as a crucial precedent for similar cases in other states, offering clearer protection to young couples who choose to live together outside the formal bounds of marriage.
The final order, which was widely reported by news agency PTI, marks another step in the Indian judiciary's journey of interpreting age-old laws in the context of modern-day relationships and personal freedoms.
