Allahabad High Court Orders Police Protection for Live-in Couples Facing Family Threats

The Allahabad High Court has directed the police to provide protection to 12 live-in couples who approached the Court claiming threats from their families and lack of help from local police authorities.

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh heard all the petitions together and held that adults living in a live-in relationship are entitled to full protection of their life and personal liberty. The Court noted that many similar petitions are being filed as couples often receive no assistance from district police, forcing them to seek judicial intervention.

The Court clearly stated that the absence of marriage does not reduce constitutional protection. It observed that the right to life is paramount and applies equally to all citizens, whether married or unmarried.

The judge explained that the real issue before the Court was not whether society approves of live-in relationships, but whether the Constitution protects adults who choose such relationships. He clarified that social morality may differ, but legality remains unaffected.

The Court also referred to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which recognises domestic relationships even without marriage and provides legal remedies to women in such arrangements.

Emphasising personal autonomy, the Court said that once a person becomes a major, they are legally free to decide where and with whom to live. Family members or others cannot interfere with this decision or disturb their peaceful life.

The judgment underlined that the State has a constitutional duty to protect every citizen’s life and liberty. The Court also relied on several Supreme Court judgments which recognise the right to choose a partner as part of Article 21 of the Constitution.

Addressing earlier High Court rulings that denied protection to live-in couples, Justice Singh said those views were not in line with Supreme Court precedents. Since the petitioners were adults and had committed no offence, there was no valid reason to deny them protection.

Accordingly, the Court allowed all 12 petitions and issued clear directions to the police. The couples may approach the Commissioner of Police, SSP or SP with a certified copy of the order. Police officers must provide immediate protection after verifying that the individuals are adults and are living together by choice.

If age-related documents are unavailable, police may conduct ossification tests or use other lawful methods to confirm age.