Traditional shaadi ke bahar rehne wale couples, ya live-in relationships, pehle sirf social gossip ka topic the. Ab courts unki practical problems pe serious legal guidance develop kar rahe hain.
Broadly, jahan relationship long-term, stable, aur “marriage-like” ho – shared home, social recognition, joint responsibilities – waha partners ko kuch protections mil sakte hain. For example:
- Domestic violence laws ka coverage,
- Maintenance/financial support ke limited rights,
- Child born from such relationship ka “illegitimate” tag avoid karna.
But live-in still formal marriage ke equal nahi mana jata in many respects – inheritance, marital property rights, tax benefits, etc. Yahan clarity jurisdiction-specific hoti hai. Casual relationships ya secret affairs usually protection circle me nahi aate.
Society ki acceptance mixed hai, lekin law ka approach gradually realistic ho gaya hai: “two consenting adults” principle pe focus, jab tak koi exploitation, coercion, ya criminality involved na ho.
Couples ke liye wise step ye hai ki basic financial and property arrangements written form me clear kar lein – joint accounts, nominee details, rent agreements, Wills. Emotion ke sath-sath legal literacy bhi zaroori hai.