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New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has given a very important and far-reaching decision regarding the personal rights and freedom of adult citizens. The court says that the relationship of adult couples living in live-in relationship with mutual consent is similar to marriage. The court made it clear that under the fundamental rights given by the Constitution, two adults have complete freedom to live with the partner of their choice and their parents, relatives or no one from the society can interfere in this nor can their life or freedom be threatened.

no one has the right to interfere

Justice Saurabh Banerjee's bench gave this order on August 13 while hearing the protection petition of a couple. The couple, aged around 30, were receiving death threats from the girl's family. The court directed Delhi Police to provide immediate protection.
The Justice remarked that taking away the fundamental rights of a citizen in the name of moral pressure or prejudices of the society is a violation of his personal identity and liberty.

Big decision of Delhi High Court

The High Court clarified in its decision that even if the live-in couple is not legally married, being adults, their living together will be considered equivalent to marriage. Citing the old precedents of the Supreme Court, the court reminded that even without formal marriage, adults have the unlimited right to live together as per their wish. This right has not only been recognized by the Supreme Court of the country, but the Indian legislature has also provided legal protection to it under laws like 'Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005'.

Court's strict message on police negligence

The petitioner couple, while narrating their plight before the court, had told that they have been living with each other for some time and are going to get married soon. However, the girl's father and brother are strongly against this relationship and are constantly threatening them with violent consequences. The victim couple had also given a written complaint in this regard to the local police station in-charge (SHO), but no concrete steps were taken by the police administration. After this he had to approach the High Court for protection. This decision of the court has sent a clear message that when it comes to the safety of two adults, the police should take action without any delay. The High Court clarified in its decision that even if the live-in couple is not legally married, being adults, their living together will be considered equivalent to marriage.