Live-In Relationships At Tender Age Concerning: Madhya Pradesh HC Observes While Permitting Major Couple Below Marriageable Age To Reside Together

The Madhya Pradesh High Court while ordering protection for a major couple, one of whom was below marriageable age, to reside together observed that it was concerned that they were taking such a decision at a "tender age".
The Court was considering a writ petition filed by the Petitioner under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for protection of life and liberty.
The single-bench of Justice Vivek Jain observed, "...this Court expresses its concern over the choice of the petitioners to enter into live in relationship as at such a tender age they may not be emotionally fully mature and economically fully independent. The petitioners are expected to exercise maturity while getting such protection from this Court."
The Petitioner was represented by Advocate Hemant Singh Rana while the Respondent was represented by Government Advocate Man Singh Jadon.
It was the case of the Petitioners that even though they both are not competent to marry, they can still live together with each other as they are both major.
Counsel for Petitioners referred to the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Nandakumar v. State of Kerala (2018) wherein, taking note of the relationship between two persons, the Court had held that when both the persons are major and they are not competent to enter into wedlock but still have right to live together even outside wedlock.
The Court was inclined to grant the relief sought, noting that both the petitioners are shown to be major and their choice needs to be protected from the external forces with an expressed concern for the decision.
The Petition was accordingly allowed.
Cause Title: Anjali Kushwah and Others vs. The State of Madhya Pradesh & Others (2024:MPHC-GWL:23482)
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