A live-in relationship was an unimaginable concept in India years ago, however, times have changed and so has the mentality of a lot of people. 

But what's acceptable for us, isn't justifiable under the law, apparently.   

Recently, an order dated May 12 2021, came from the Punjab and Haryana high court who claimed that live-in-relationships as 'morally and socially' unacceptable.

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This came after a couple, who were in a live-in-relationship but were scared of the threats coming from the girl's family, asked for protection from the court. 

Petitioners Gulza Kumari (19) and Gurwinder Singh (22), in the petition, mentioned that they were living together and had plans to get married in a short while.

Justice H S Madaan mentioned in his order, "As a matter of fact, the petitioners in the garb of filing the present petition are seeking seal of approval on their live-in-relationship, which is morally and socially not acceptable and no protection order in the petition can be passed. The petition stands dismissed accordingly."

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The court also observed, "If such protection as claimed is granted, the entire social fabric of the society would get disturbed.”

As per the petitioner's counsel, the couple is staying together in Tarn Taran district. He added that Kumari's parents didn't approve of the concept of a live-in-relationship.

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Even though live-in relationships are an acceptable custom by the Supreme court in Indian society, Punjab and Haryana's High Court orders are a major step down to our progressive society. 

It's basically holding the rights of the couple who wish to live together.

The apex court doesn't consider such relationships a crime and has accepted it fully, without any penal action. The court also said that people shouldn't get involved in personal matters.

Even Odisha high court allows live-in-relationship of same-*** partners as well.

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In June 2018, even the Kerala High Court allowed a young couple to live together. As per the court, the girl at the age of 19 was old enough to take the decision of being in a live-in with a boy younger than her. The court held that both the people are adults. and once the boy reaches a marriageable age, the couple can continue to live freely or marry as well.

The court noted, "The constitutional court is bound to respect the unfettered right of a major to have a live-in relationship even though the same may not be palatable to the orthodox section of the society,"

Accepting a practice like live-in-relationships is crucial in today's time. Hence, the Punjab and Haryana's HC not allowing couples to be in live-in relationships has disappointed many. 

Here's how the people on Twitter reacted to this development:

But they are constitutionally acceptable and that is the only thing that matters . Sad , constitutional judges doing everything other than following constitution.

— Vivek (@Vivek60251703) May 18, 2021

Its bad enough that there are so many moral polices in the society, now the court, that should protect citizens 'RIGHTS', itself is becoming a moral police.

— Tom Scaria Thomas (@ubiquitous_user) May 18, 2021

Morally and socially not acceptable? What about individual rights?

— Sarveshwar (@iSarveshwar) May 18, 2021

They should appeal to the Supreme Court. I’m sure it will protect their rights.

— Dimpi (@avsdgbm) May 18, 2021

But adultery is legal

— Manu (@socialhuman10) May 18, 2021

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