The court’s decision on live-in relationship which gave legal power to every woman, now it will be easy to demand rights.

News India Live, Digital Desk: The High Court has said in clear words that if a woman has been in a live-in relationship with a man for a long time, then she should be given the same status as ‘wife’ in terms of protection and rights. The court believes that women cannot be left alone or unsafe socially and legally.

After all, why did the court have to say this?
It is often seen that after living together for many years, when relationships become sour, men often shirk their responsibilities. Since they are not married on paper, women get trapped in legal complications. They are neither able to demand maintenance easily nor are they able to raise their voice against domestic violence in a concrete manner.

Madras High Court, while hearing a case, said that the intention of the law is to protect the victim and not to deny him justice due to technical flaws. If two people are living in the society as husband and wife, the benefits given to the woman cannot be taken away merely because she has not taken ‘pheres’ or does not have a marriage certificate.

What rights will we get now?
This comment of the court simply means that if the woman is a live-in partner, it will be easier for her to get help under the following laws:

1. Protection from Domestic Violence: She can seek protection under the same law which is meant for a married woman.
2. Right to maintenance: In case of breakup or separation, she can ask her partner for help in living.
3. Legal Dignity: Their existence in the society will get an identity and legal shield.

‘Humanitarian’ aspect of law
The High Court has talked about “social justice” here. The court argues that the law should not be seen only in bookish words, but it should be seen how it can wipe people’s tears in real life. Live-in relationships that continue for a long time have been considered ‘marriage-like relationships’ so that no one can run away from their responsibilities in the future.

a big relief
This decision is a ray of hope for thousands of women who are living together without being bound by the bonds of marriage for any reason, but were often worried about their future. The court has made it clear that even though customs and traditions may be different, the safety and self-respect of every woman is equal in the scales of justice.

Your opinion?
Do you also think that women who live in live-in relationships for a long time should get the status and rights of legal wives? Will this decision end the increasing insecurity in relationships? Please tell us your views in the comments.