After Uttarakhand, Rajasthan is set to make it compulsory for couples to register live-in relationships. The Rajasthan High Court has asked the state government to create a web portal for this registration. Earlier, Uttarakhand introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which requires live-in relationships to be registered with district officials.The UCC also states that children born from live-in relationships will be recognized as legitimate.
What Rajasthan High Court said on live-in relationships
While hearing multiple pleas from live-in couples seeking protection, the Rajasthan High Court directed the state government to make provisions for the registration of live-in relationships. A single-judge bench ordered the government to set up a web portal for registering such relationships until appropriate legislation is passed. The court also noted that the agreement for live-in relationships should be registered by a competent authority or tribunal, which the government is required to establish.
The court also ordered that a copy of its order be sent to the chief secretary, principal secretary of the law and justice department, and the secretary of the department of justice and social welfare in New Delhi, urging them to look into the matter and take the necessary steps.
The bench observed that numerous couples living in relationships are facing threats and social rejection from their families and communities due to the lack of acceptance of their status. As a result, many of them have turned to the courts by filing writ petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking protection under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court noted that this has led to an overwhelming number of such petitions.
To address this issue, the court directed that, until the government enacts the required legislation, a competent authority should be established in each district to handle the registration of live-in relationships. This authority will also address the grievances of couples in such relationships and the rights of children born from them. Furthermore, the court recommended the launch of a dedicated website or web portal to facilitate the registration process and the resolution of issues arising from live-in relationships.
Challenges of live-in relationship
Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand remarked that while live-in relationships may appear attractive, they come with numerous challenges. He stated, "The idea of a live-in relationship may seem unique and appealing, but in reality, the problems that arise are many and difficult. In such relationships, a woman’s status is not that of a wife and lacks social acceptance or legal recognition."