What Are the Rights of Spouses in a Live-In Relationship?

In India, live-in relationships (where two individuals cohabit without formal marriage) are not explicitly recognized as marriage but have gained some legal recognition in certain contexts, particularly regarding the rights of women and children born out of such relationships. While live-in relationships do not provide the same comprehensive rights as a formal marriage, individuals in live-in arrangements have specific rights and protections under Indian law.

Legal Rights of Spouses in a Live-In Relationship

1. Maintenance Rights:
   • Under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), individuals in a live-in relationship may be entitled to maintenance if they can prove they were in a domestic relationship akin to marriage.
   • The woman in a live-in relationship can claim maintenance if she is unable to support herself and can show that the relationship was continuous and with mutual consent.
2. Right to Residence:
   • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) recognizes the rights of women in live-in relationships under certain conditions. A woman can seek protection, including the right to stay in a shared household and claim relief in cases of domestic violence.
   • A woman in a live-in relationship can claim residence rights in the shared household if she was subjected to domestic violence, even if she was not married to the partner.
3. Property and Inheritance Rights:
   • Unlike married couples, individuals in a live-in relationship do not have automatic property rights. However, the woman can claim property rights in cases where she has contributed to the household or invested in the property during the course of the relationship.
   • Children born out of a live-in relationship have the same inheritance rights as children born in a formal marriage. They can inherit property from their parents under Indian succession laws.
4. Protection Against Domestic Violence:
   • As per the Domestic Violence Act, a woman in a live-in relationship can approach the court for relief from domestic violence. She is entitled to protection orders, compensation, and other forms of redress if she has been a victim of abuse, just like a married woman.
5. Recognition of the Relationship:
   • The Supreme Court has held that a live-in relationship can be seen as a domestic partnership with certain rights, especially when the relationship has lasted for a long time. In the S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2010) case, the Court recognized live-in relationships as valid and provided certain protections for women in such relationships.
6. Right to Legitimacy for Children:
   • Children born in a live-in relationship have the same legal status as children born in a marriage. Under Indian law, they have the right to claim legitimacy, inheritance, and other rights associated with family life.
7. Rights in Case of Separation:
   • In case of separation, a woman in a live-in relationship may be entitled to maintenance and other relief under the laws of domestic violence or maintenance laws if she can prove financial dependence or abuse during the relationship.
   • There is no legal obligation for either partner to pay alimony or compensation unless the woman can demonstrate that the relationship was akin to marriage.

Challenges for Live-in Partners

• No Formal Legal Protection: Live-in relationships often face challenges because there is no formal marriage contract that guarantees a broad range of legal protections. The rights of the parties involved may need to be established through individual legal actions.
• Social Stigma: In some parts of India, live-in relationships face societal stigma and lack clear legal recognition, making it difficult for partners to assert certain rights without protracted legal battles.

Example:

If a woman has been living with a partner for 5 years, and during this time, she contributed financially and emotionally to the household, she may have the right to seek maintenance or property rights if the relationship ends, particularly if she can prove the domestic nature of the relationship and that she was financially dependent.

While live-in relationships in India are not equated with formal marriages, there are laws in place to protect the rights of individuals in such relationships, especially in cases of domestic violence, maintenance, and protection for children. Legal recognition is still evolving, and seeking legal advice is often necessary for individuals in long-term live-in relationships to fully understand their rights.