Are Common-Law Marriages Recognized in India?

In India, common-law marriages, often referred to as live-in relationships, are not officially recognized under traditional marriage laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954. However, the legal landscape for such relationships has evolved, and while these unions do not carry the same formal recognition as marriage, certain protections and rights are available under specific circumstances.

Legal Status of Common-Law Marriages in India:

1. Live-in Relationships and Legal Recognition:
- While common-law marriages or live-in relationships do not have the same status as a formal marriage, they are not illegal in India. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that living together as a couple is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
- In the landmark case of Indra Sarma vs. V.K.V. Sarma (2013), the Supreme Court stated that live-in relationships are legal, but they do not automatically lead to marriage unless specific legal formalities are followed.

2. Rights of Women in Live-in Relationships:
- Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, women in live-in relationships are entitled to protection against domestic violence. This includes the right to seek residence orders, protection from abuse, and financial support if the relationship is akin to marriage and the woman has lived with the partner for a significant period.
- The Act treats a woman in a live-in relationship similarly to a wife in a legal marriage for the purpose of seeking relief under domestic violence laws.

3. Rights Regarding Maintenance and Inheritance:
- A woman in a live-in relationship can claim maintenance under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 if the relationship is established as a domestic partnership. The courts may grant maintenance based on the nature of the relationship, financial dependence, and other factors.
- Inheritance rights for a partner in a live-in relationship are not automatically recognized under Indian law. Unlike formal marriages, there is no automatic right to inherit property from a partner unless specified in a will or testament.

4. Legal Protection and Custody of Children:
- Children born out of live-in relationships have the same legal rights as children born from a formal marriage. They are entitled to inherit the property of both parents and have the right to maintenance.
- In cases of separation or dispute, the courts may grant custody of children born out of a live-in relationship, often favoring the welfare and best interests of the child, similar to cases of custody in legal marriages.

5. Judicial Interpretation of Live-in Relationships:
- The Indian judiciary has been evolving its stance on live-in relationships. The courts have ruled that if a live-in relationship is of long duration, it can be treated as a marriage under certain circumstances, especially in the context of rights related to maintenance, domestic violence, and property claims.
- In the case of K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court observed that individuals have the right to live together without formal marriage as part of their personal liberty. This reflects a shift towards recognizing the validity of such relationships under constitutional provisions.

Example:

If a couple lives together for several years without formal marriage and the woman faces physical abuse, she can seek protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. The woman may also claim maintenance from her partner if she is financially dependent and has been in the relationship for an extended period, even though they were not formally married.

Conclusion:

While common-law marriages (live-in relationships) are not formally recognized under Indian marriage laws, there are certain protections for individuals in such relationships, especially for women. Legal safeguards related to domestic violence, maintenance, and child custody have been established through judicial decisions and specific laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. However, couples in live-in relationships do not automatically receive the same rights as those in a legally recognized marriage unless specific legal actions are taken.