Every Person Has The Right To Live His / Her Life With A Person of His / Her Choice: Punjab & Haryana High Court Upholds Life and Liberty in Live-In Relationships

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in a significant judgment, has reasserted the right to life and liberty of individuals in live-in relationships. The bench headed by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vikas Bahl delivered a landmark judgment emphasizing that every person, especially adults, has the fundamental right to choose their partner and lifestyle, as per Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Legal Point: The Court categorically stated that the protection of life and liberty as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution is a basic feature that every citizen is entitled to, regardless of their marital status or age of majority.

Facts and Issues: In CRWP-2822-2024, the petitioners, Ramandeep and another, sought protection of their life and liberty while being in a non-marital live-in relationship. Notably, one of the petitioners was not of marriageable age as per law. They apprehended harm to their life and liberty and hence approached the Court.

Protection in Live-in Relationships: The Court, referring to several precedents including Jashanpreet Kaur & Others vs State of Punjab, highlighted the importance of protecting fundamental rights irrespective of the nature of the relationship. “Every person, more so, a major, has the right to live his / her life with a person of his / her choice,” the Court observed.

Assessment of Threat Perception: Directing the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ferozepur, to assess the threat to the petitioners, the Court mandated appropriate action in accordance with the law. This directive is a step to ensure the safety of individuals choosing to live outside traditional marital norms.

Judicial Approach to Non-Conventional Relationships: The judgment marked a progressive shift in the judiciary's approach towards non-conventional relationships. The Court recognized the evolving societal norms and asserted that legal protection is not diminished by the absence of a marital bond.

Decision: Conclusively, the Court granted protection to the petitioners, directing the police to address their safety concerns. This decision reaffirms the constitutional sanctity of life and liberty, extending its ambit to include relationships that lie outside the traditional framework of marriage.

Date of Decision: 28.03.2024

Ramandeep and another vs State of Punjab and others