Rajasthan High Court Orders Registration of Live-In Relationships
The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has directed the government to establish an authority or tribunal to register in such relationships. The Court emphasized the urgent need for legislation governing such relationships.
Court Directs Registration of Live-In Relationships
Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand ruled that until a law is enacted, all live-in relationships must be registered. He ordered the government to create a competent authority in each district to handle registration and address grievances of partners who they live with and their children. The Court also directed the launch of a website or web portal for grievance redressal.
Court Calls for Legal Framework and Protection of Rights
The Court stressed the need for a proper legal framework to protect women and children in these relationships. It observed that, in the absence of legislation, courts have taken different approaches, causing confusion. A structured law would grant rights and impose obligations on partners.
Format for Live-In Relationship Agreements
The Court directed the government to create a format for couples entering live-in relationships. The format must include:
Childcare Responsibilities: Both partners must bear responsibility for their children’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.
Financial Support: The male partner must provide maintenance for a non-earning female partner and their children.
Need for Legislative Action
The Court urged Parliament and State Legislatures to enact a law or amend existing ones to regulate live-in relationships. It highlighted that many women suffer when these relationships end, and children need legal protection even if the relationship is not equivalent to marriage.
Compliance Report and Larger Bench Referral
The Court directed officials, including the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and the Department of Justice, to submit a compliance report by March 1, 2025. Additionally, it referred a key legal question to a larger bench, whether married individuals in live-in relationships can seek court protection without dissolving their marriage.
Final Observations
The Rajasthan High Court made it clear that live-in relationships need legal recognition and regulation. It called for urgent action to ensure the protection of rights and prevent exploitation.
