Judicial Approach to „Live- In-Relationship‟ In India- Its Impact on Other Related Statutes

Abstract

The "live-in-relationship‟ is a living arrangement in which a un-married couple lives together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage. "Live-in-relationship‟ is neither recognized by The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 nor by The Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, nor by The Indian Succession Act 1925. The expression "relationship in the nature of marriage‟ which is included within the definition of "domestic relationship‟ has not clearly been defined in the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA). However, a child born out of "relationship in the nature of marriage‟ is not entitled to claim its share in ancestral coparcener property but is entitled only to claim its share in self acquired property of its parents. This Article is divided into six parts: I. Introduction II. Aims and objectives of the research study. III. Response of Indian Judiciary to "Live- In-Relationship‟. IV. Status of "Live- In-Relationship‟ in other countries. V. Conclusion VI. Suggestions and Recommendations