Allahabad High Court: Comment on live-in relationship

Allahabad High Court expressed concern over the increasing trend of live-in relationships and said that such relationships have not yet received widespread acceptance in the society. Despite this, their popularity is increasing among the youth. The Court stressed that society needs a framework by which moral values ​​can be preserved.

Justice Nalin Kumar Srivastava said:

“Live-in relationships are not socially accepted. Still, the youth are getting attracted towards them, because in this they can avoid responsibilities towards their partner. It is time for society to think about what can be done to save moral values.”

Case: Allegation of false promise of marriage

This comment came during the hearing of a case in Varanasi district. In this, the accused Akash Kesari was accused of having physical relations with a woman by making a false promise of marriage and later refusing to marry her.
Among other allegations:

• Forcing the woman to have an abortion.
• Using caste based abuses.
• Physical harassment.

The SC/ST Court of Varanasi had rejected the bail plea of ​​the accused on 6 August 2024. After this the accused filed a bail petition in Allahabad High Court.

defense arguments

The accused’s counsel argued in the High Court that:

• All relations between the woman and the accused were consensual.
• Both were in a live-in relationship for six years.
• The allegation of abortion is baseless and fabricated.

High Court decision

The High Court granted bail to the accused considering that:

• The relationship between the woman and the accused was consensual.
• The prosecution did not present any concrete evidence which could prove the charges.

The court said in its order:

“We live in a changing society, where moral values ​​and family structures are changing rapidly. Society should create a solid framework to preserve moral values.”

High Court’s message

The Court viewed the case as a lesson for the youth and urged society to find ways to promote morality and responsibility. The court also said that live-in relationships should be pursued with responsible and sensible behaviour.