Legal Rights And Status Of Children Born From Live-In Relationships In India: A Socio-Legal Analysis

Ishika Shrivastava, LL.M., Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur

ABSTRACT

Live-in partnerships are becoming more common in India as a practical substitute for marriage. It is defined as the domestic cohabitation of an adult unmarried couple. Although it appears to be a stress-free relationship with no legal obligations, there are many complexities, obligations, and potential legal issues. Recently, initiatives have been made to include it under the jurisdiction of various laws. It is socially stigmatized and taboo to acknowledge a relationship between two adults that does not revolve around the institution of marriage. This kind of relationship, which has been examined, is often described as a practical substitute that originated from Western ideas in a culture that prioritizes material interactions. It is no longer illegal in India, and the Supreme Court has made numerous recommendations in a number of cases regarding property, child support, and legal recognition. It remains controversial in India. The main goal of the study is to fully comprehend the idea of a child's legitimacy "who is born out of a live-in relationship" by using secondary sources.

Keywords: Live-in, Child, Legitimacy, Rights, Inheritance.