The Court expressed concern that endorsing such relationships would lead to societal chaos and disrupt the fabric of our nation. In a recent ruling, the Allahabad High Court refused protection to a live-in couple facing alleged threats, noting that both individuals were still legally married to others and hadn’t obtained divorces.
Justice Renu Agarwal emphasized that the Court couldn’t condone relationships that contravene the law. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, marrying someone while a prior spouse is alive or without obtaining a divorce is unlawful. The Court’s decision, dated February 22, warned that approving such relationships would sow disorder and damage social cohesion.
The petitioners, an unmarried couple seeking protection, were not only denied but were also fined ₹2,000 by Justice Agarwal.
Their plea for safeguarding their life and liberty was brought before the court. However, it was revealed that both petitioners were currently married to other individuals.
Despite acknowledging the woman’s prior marriage, she failed to provide evidence of its termination through divorce. The court upheld her existing marital status.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the male petitioner had also entered into another marriage. This claim was supported by an attorney representing a woman who asserted herself as his spouse, presenting the woman’s Aadhaar card as evidence of their marriage.
