Fri Dec 05 05:56:46 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that two consenting adults in a live-in relationship are entitled to constitutional protection, even if they are below the legal marriageable age. The court dismissed arguments that a 19-year-old man’s age (below the marriage threshold for men) should prevent the relationship, asserting that the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 cannot be denied based on age. The court directed police to provide protection to the couple, who claimed threats from the woman’s family.

News Article:

Rajasthan High Court Upholds Right to Live-In Relationships for Consenting Adults Under Marriageable Age

Jaipur, December 5, 2025 – In a landmark ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has affirmed the constitutional right of consenting adults to engage in live-in relationships, irrespective of whether they meet the legal age requirement for marriage. The decision, delivered by Justice Anoop Dhand, came in response to a plea for protection filed by an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man from Kota.

The couple, who presented a live-in agreement to the court, alleged that the woman’s family opposed their relationship and threatened them. Their complaint to local police reportedly went unaddressed.

During the proceedings, the public prosecutor argued that the man, being under the minimum marriageable age of 21, should not be allowed to cohabitate. However, Justice Dhand firmly rejected this argument, emphasizing that Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty to all individuals, and this right cannot be restricted solely based on age.

“The state has a constitutional obligation to safeguard the life and liberty of every individual,” Justice Dhand stated, adding that live-in relationships are neither prohibited nor criminalized under Indian law.

The court has directed the Superintendents of Police in Bhilwara and Jodhpur (Rural) to investigate the couple’s claims of threats and provide necessary protection if the threat perception is confirmed. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding individual liberties and recognizing evolving social norms in India.

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