Rajasthan High Court Calls for Registration of Live-In Relationships Ahead of Anticipated Legislation
In a landmark ruling, the Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive law governing live-in relationships. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand directed the establishment of a registering authority to oversee the recognition of such relationships, ensuring legal protection and addressing grievances.
The court’s order stipulates that Competent Authorities or Tribunals must be set up in each district to manage registrations and welfare provisions for children born from live-in arrangements. Additionally, a dedicated website will be launched to streamline the registration process and facilitate the resolution of related issues.
The framework outlined by the court mandates that couples entering live-in relationships adhere to specific responsibilities. Each partner is required to contribute to a child welfare plan, which includes commitments to education, healthcare, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the financial maintenance of any non-earning female partner and their children will be the responsibility of the male partner.
This ruling aims to address the legal ambiguities that have often left women and children vulnerable, particularly in situations where relationships dissolve. The court called upon the central and state governments to swiftly enact legislation defining the rights and obligations of partners involved.
In a related development, the court forwarded a critical legal question to a larger bench: whether individuals currently married can seek legal protection for live-in relationships if they have not formally ended their previous marriages.
The Rajasthan High Court’s directive marks a significant milestone in the regulation of live-in relationships in India, reflecting a growing recognition of modern family structures and the need for legal safeguards. Authorities must submit a compliance report outlining implementation steps by March 1, 2025.
