Indian Court Grants Legal Protections to Women in Live-Ins

A judge in India just changed the game for millions of women in unmarried partnerships by declaring they deserve the same legal rights as married women.

Justice S. Srimathy of the Madras High Court ruled that live-in relationships should be recognized as traditional "Gandharva marriages," an ancient Indian form of union based on love. The decision came while she was reviewing a case where a man had sexual relations with a woman under the promise of marriage, then refused to follow through.

The ruling addresses a painful reality many women face. They enter modern relationships believing they're making independent choices, only to find themselves abandoned with zero legal protection when things go wrong.

"Girls assume they are modern and opt for live-in relationships. But after some time when they realize these don't grant any protection, reality catches as fire and starts burning them," Justice Srimathy wrote in her decision.

The judge pointed out a troubling double standard. Men often consider themselves progressive for being in live-in relationships, yet turn around and attack the character of the same women they were with. Meanwhile, women face complete vulnerability with no recourse.

Under existing Indian law, divorced women receive protections to maintain a decent standard of living. But women in live-in relationships that dissolve get nothing, even after years together.

Why This Inspires

This ruling represents more than legal theory. It gives real teeth to women's rights through Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which criminalizes sexual relations obtained through deceitful promises of marriage.

The decision bridges ancient wisdom with modern realities. By connecting live-in partnerships to Gandharva marriage, one of eight traditional marriage forms in ancient India, the court validates contemporary relationships while ensuring women aren't left defenseless.

Justice Srimathy made clear that if men won't honor their commitments, they'll face legal consequences instead. The ruling sends a message that exploiting women under the guise of modern relationships won't be tolerated.

For countless women caught between traditional expectations and contemporary lifestyles, this decision offers something precious: the right to protection, dignity, and justice regardless of how they choose to love.