Consensual or controversial? Allahabad HC explores live-in relationship dilemma

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has highlighted the lack of social acceptance for live-in relationships while granting bail to an accused in a contentious case. The court emphasized the need for a moral framework to address the growing trend of such relationships among youth.

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Muskan Dhami
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Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court observed that live-in relationships do not enjoy social acceptability, which requires a defined framework for addressing the moral aspects of such relationship. The learned judge, Justice Nalin Kumar Srivastava said, "We are living in a transforming society where the moral values and the conduct of the young generation in families, in societies, and at workplaces are fast changing."

Case background: Bail application by accused in live-in relationship

The court observed this while hearing the bail application of Akash Keshari, a resident of Varanasi. Keshari faced charges under multiple sections of the IPC and the SC/ST Act after being accused of exploiting the victim by establishing physical relations under the false promise of marriage.

According to the FIR filed at the Sarnath Police Station, Varanasi, the accused was alleged to have terminated the victim’s pregnancy, physically assaulted her, and made caste-related remarks. A special judge under the SC/ST Act in Varanasi had previously rejected Keshari’s bail application on August 6, 2024, prompting him to approach the High Court.

Youth attraction to live-in relationships

The court also pointed towards this growing tendency among youth towards live-in relationships despite the clear disapproval of the society. Justice Srivastava makes a remark, "Young people, male or female are lured into these relationships because they provide an easy way to get out of liabilities towards partners. This growing attraction suggests the urgency of finding remedies and keeping moral values in the society.

The case was argued on the basis of fabricated allegations that the victim was a consenting adult in a six-year live-in relationship with the accused. No promise of marriage was ever made, and it was contended that the physical relationship was always consensual. The alleged abortion was dismissed as an unsubstantiated allegation.

Taking these arguments into consideration, the High Court granted bail to the accused on January 16. It noted the consensual nature of the relationship and stressed the importance of addressing broader societal concerns regarding live-in relationships.

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