The judges emphasized that maintenance cannot be withheld if there is evidence of cohabitation between the couple...
Digital Desk: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a significant stride towards acknowledging the rights of women in live-in relationships by decreeing that a woman cohabiting with a man for a substantial duration is eligible for maintenance upon separation, irrespective of marital status.
This verdict stems from a petitioner's challenge against a trial court's directive to provide a monthly allowance of ₹ 1,500 to a woman with whom he had been in a live-in relationship. In a progressive stance, the judges emphasized that maintenance cannot be withheld if there is evidence of cohabitation between the couple.
The High Court relied on the trial court's determination, which affirmed the duo's cohabitation akin to that of a husband and wife. Moreover, considering the birth of a child within the relationship, the court upheld the woman's right to maintenance.
This significant judgment symbolizes the evolving legal framework surrounding live-in relationships in India. It marks a departure from conventional norms and signifies the acknowledgment of the rights and vulnerabilities of women in such unions.
In a similar vein, Uttarakhand introduced a uniform civil code in February, aiming to establish a legal structure for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws for all citizens.
Notably, one provision of the bill mandates the registration of live-in relationships and stipulates that if the individuals are adults under the age of 21, their parents must be notified. This legislative move reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing and regulating diverse forms of relationships, underscoring the need for comprehensive legal frameworks that uphold the rights of all individuals involved.
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