Rajasthan High Court: Adults Can Choose Live-In Relationship Even Before Marriageable Age
The Rajasthan High Court has held that two consenting adults can live together in a live-in relationship even if they have not yet reached the legal age for marriage. The Court said that constitutional rights under Article 21 cannot be restricted only because the individuals are not old enough to marry.
Justice Anoop Dhand passed the order while hearing a protection plea filed by an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man from Kota. The couple informed the Court that they were living together by choice and had signed a live-in agreement on 27 October 2025.
They also alleged that the woman’s family strongly opposed the relationship and had threatened to kill them. Their complaint to the Kota police, they said, went unanswered.
The public prosecutor argued that since the man had not completed 21 years—the minimum legal age of marriage for men—he should not be allowed to enter a live-in relationship. The Court rejected this argument, stating that the right to life and personal liberty cannot be denied on such a basis.
The Court emphasised that live-in relationships are neither banned nor considered an offence under Indian law. Justice Dhand added that the State must protect the life and liberty of every individual.
The Superintendents of Police of Bhilwara and Jodhpur (Rural) have been directed to verify the details provided by the petitioners, assess the threat, and extend protection to the couple if needed.
