Live-In Relationships vs. Society: What the Allahabad High Court Said While Granting Bail in a Sexual Exploitation Case

In a recent and thought-provoking judgment, the Allahabad High Court commented on the growing number of legal disputes arising from live-in relationships, especially when they break down. The Court made these remarks while granting bail to a man accused of sexually exploiting a woman under the false promise of marriage.

The Case: A Relationship Gone Wrong:

The bail application was filed by Shane Alam, who was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). According to the complaint, the accused had a sexual relationship with the woman on the promise that he would marry her—but later refused to do so.

The woman’s lawyer, Madhu Yadav, argued that her client’s life had been deeply affected. She said it would now be difficult for the victim to find a suitable match for marriage because of the broken promise and the nature of the relationship.

High Court's Observations: A Clash Between Law and Culture?

While granting bail, Justice Siddharth expressed concern over the increasing number of similar cases coming before the courts. He stated that live-in relationships, even though considered legal by the Supreme Court, are still not widely accepted in middle-class Indian society.

“This Court finds that after live-in-relationship has been legalized by the Apex Court, the Court had fed up such cases... the concept of live-in-relationship is against the settled law in the Indian Middle Class Society,” the judge observed.

He further remarked that women often face the heavier burden when these relationships end.

“A man can marry even after a live-in relationship with a woman—or even with multiple women—but it is difficult for the woman to find a life partner after a breakup,” he added.

Generational Gap and Legal Implications:

The Court noted that younger generations are increasingly attracted to the idea of live-in relationships, but the emotional and social consequences are often serious. Cases like this, the judge suggested, reflect a growing disconnect between legal developments and cultural acceptance.

Outcome: Bail Granted:

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the Court granted bail to the accused. The defense was represented by Advocate Satish Chandra Singh.

A Larger Conversation:

This case once again brings to light the complex and evolving nature of relationships, social values, and legal protections in India. As live-in relationships become more common, especially in urban areas, the legal system continues to face challenges in balancing individual freedom with social norms.

While the law recognizes such relationships, society—especially in conservative or middle-class circles—may still struggle to accept them. This gap often leads to emotional distress, legal conflict, and in some cases, exploitation.