SC rejects PIL for registration of live-in relationships with Centre; calls it ‘hare-brained’ idea

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking directions to the Central government to formulate guidelines for registration of live-in relationships and for social security of citizens who are in such relationships.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said that the petition was misconceived and also questioned the intent of the petitioner.

“Are you trying to foster the security of these people or not let people be in live in relationships? Costs should be imposed on these petitions. Just hare-brained petitions; that is all,” the CJI remarked before dismissing the plea. Contd. on nation

Database for number of Live-in relationships

The petitioner had also prayed that the failure to register live-in partnerships violates the constitutional rights to live freely (Article 19) and the right to protection of life (Article 21) and personal liberty.

The plea also pressed for framing laws to govern live-in relationships and the urgent need for the Central government to create a database to find out the exact number of people who are in live-in relationships in the country.

The petitioner contended that this can only be achieved by making registration of live-in partnerships compulsory.

The petitioner also submitted that there has been a vast increase in crimes committed by live-in partners, including major crimes like rape and murder, due to the absence of rules and guidelines covering live-in partnerships.