The Allahabad High Court has ordered police protection for 12 live-in couples who said they were facing threats from their families. The couples told the court that they feared for their safety and that the local police had not given them proper protection despite repeated requests.

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh passed the order while hearing the petitions filed by the couples. The judge clearly stated that adults who are in live-in relationships have the right to life and personal liberty, and it is the responsibility of the state to protect these rights.

The court observed that many such cases are now coming before the High Court. In several instances, couples said they had approached district-level police officers for help, but no action was taken. Because of this lack of support, they were forced to seek help from the court.

While hearing the matter, the court also discussed whether not being formally married affects a person’s constitutional rights. The judge said that the right to life is above everything else. Whether a person is married or unmarried, young or old, their fundamental rights remain the same. The court made it clear that simply because the couples had not married, they could not be denied protection under the Constitution of India.

The judge explained that the case was not about whether society approves of live-in relationships. Instead, the real question was whether the Constitution protects adults who choose to live together. The court said that morality can differ from person to person and from society to society, but the law is not influenced by these opinions.

The court also noted that live-in relationships are not illegal in India, even though many people may still feel uncomfortable with the idea. Once a person becomes an adult, the law allows them to decide where they want to live and with whom.

The judge added that no family member has the right to interfere once two adults choose to live together. If no crime has been committed, the state must ensure their safety.

Finally, the court allowed all 12 petitions and issued clear directions to the police on how to respond if the couples face threats in the future. It also said that earlier court decisions denying protection were not in line with Supreme Court rulings.