MP News: In a landmark ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a significant step towards acknowledging the rights of women in live-in relationships. The court has declared that a woman living with a man for a substantial period is entitled to maintenance upon separation, even if they are not legally married.
Progressive Judgment Affirms Maintenance Rights
The ruling was delivered in response to a petitioner challenging a trial court order mandating him to pay a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to a woman with whom he had been in a live-in relationship. The High Court, in its progressive move, emphasized that maintenance cannot be denied if there is evidence of cohabitation between the couple.
The judges cited the trial court’s findings, which concluded that the man and woman had been living as husband and wife. Additionally, considering the birth of a child within the relationship, the court affirmed the woman’s entitlement to maintenance.
Evolution of Legal Landscape in India
This landmark decision highlights the evolving legal landscape concerning live-in relationships in India. It signifies a departure from traditional norms and underscores the recognition of the rights and vulnerabilities of women in such partnerships.
In a related development, the state of Uttarakhand recently introduced a uniform civil code aimed at providing a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws for all citizens. One provision of the bill mandates the registration of live-in relationships and notifies the parents of the couple if they are adults under the age of 21.
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