Kerala High Court Dismisses Live-in Couple's Divorce Plea, Calls for Legal Reforms Recognizing Live-in Relationships

A couple who had been in a live-in relationship for a staggering 17 years approached the Kerala High Court seeking a divorce. Their plea was dismissed by the court, on the grounds that the law has not yet officially recognized live-in relationships as marriages. 

The court emphasized that merely choosing to cohabit and live together based on an agreement does not automatically grant the couple the rights associated with marriage, including the ability to seek divorce. The judgment highlighted the absence of legal provisions specifically addressing the dissolution of live-in relationships.

Live-in relationships, where unmarried couples choose to live together in a committed partnership, have gained considerable prominence in recent years. However, the legal recognition and protection of these relationships remain a contentious issue in many jurisdictions. While some countries have enacted laws to provide certain rights and safeguards to individuals in live-in relationships, the legal landscape in India is yet to fully acknowledge and regulate such unions.

This ruling by the Kerala High Court underscores the need for legislative reforms to address the rights and obligations of couples in live-in relationships. Advocates argue that recognizing live-in relationships as valid forms of partnerships would enable couples to seek legal remedies in case of separation or disputes, similar to those available to married couples.

It is worth noting that several landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India have already acknowledged the legitimacy of live-in relationships and accorded rights to partners in such unions. However, the absence of specific legislation on the matter continues to create ambiguity and inconsistencies across different legal jurisdictions.

As the debate on the recognition of live-in relationships continues, it remains to be seen whether the legislature will take steps to provide legal frameworks that adequately address the concerns and rights of individuals in long-term, committed relationships outside of marriage. Until then, couples in live-in relationships may face challenges in seeking legal remedies, such as divorce, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms in this area.

For more updates keep visiting our website www.topstoriesworld.com   where we provide unbiased, true and top stories of the world.