Live-in Relationships Ruled Out for Married Individuals: Allahabad HC Sets New Legal Precedent

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In a landmark ruling, the Allahabad High Court has declared that a married person cannot engage in a live-in relationship with a third party without first obtaining a divorce decree. The court dismissed a writ petition filed by a couple in a live-in relationship, citing that the freedom of personal liberty is not absolute and cannot infringe upon the statutory rights of an existing spouse. According to the judgment, delivered on Tuesday, the couple had approached the court seeking protection, claiming they were living together as husband and wife despite being married to other individuals. However, the court ruled that the petitioners' actions were illegal, as one of them was already married and had not obtained a divorce. Justice Vivek Kumar Singh observed that personal liberty is a qualified right, restricted by statutory rights of others. He emphasized that a spouse has the statutory right to enjoy their partner's company and cannot be deprived of this right for the sake of personal liberty. The court's decision has significant implications, stating that individuals in a live-in relationship without a divorce decree are not entitled to protection. The ruling sets a new legal precedent, underscoring the importance of obtaining a divorce before entering into a new relationship. The case highlights the complexities of personal relationships and the need for individuals to navigate the law before making significant life changes. As the court's decision makes clear, personal liberty is not absolute and must be balanced against the statutory rights of others.