We want to live together without marrying. Is a live-in relationship legal?
Simple answer
Yes. Two adults living together by choice is not a crime, as the Supreme Court has held. A woman in a long, marriage-like live-in relationship can use the Domestic Violence Act for protection and money. In Uttarakhand, live-in couples must register their relationship.
Real-life examples
Neha and Siddharth, both 26, rent a flat together in Bengaluru without marrying. This is legal, and police cannot take action against them just for living together.
Roshni lived with Aman for eight years, shared expenses and was known as his wife. When he began hitting her and stopped paying for her, she applied under the DV Act for protection and money, as their relationship was 'in the nature of marriage'.
Pinky moved in with Suresh knowing he was still married to someone else. Courts have held that such a relationship is usually not 'in the nature of marriage', so she may not get DV Act relief as his partner. Their child can still claim maintenance from Suresh.
What should you do?
- 1Make sure you are both adults (18+). A sexual relationship with someone under 18 is a serious crime, even with consent.
- 2Keep simple proof of living together: a rent agreement in both names, joint bills, or address records.
- 3If you live in Uttarakhand, register the relationship with the Registrar within one month, on the state UCC portal.
- 4If your families threaten you, call 112 and ask the police or the High Court for protection.
- 5If your partner abuses you, call 181 and apply under the DV Act for protection, residence and money.
- 6Get your child's birth certificate with both parents' names. A child can claim maintenance from the father under BNSS Section 144.
Exceptions & limits
- If either partner is married to someone else, or the relationship is short or casual, courts usually do not treat it as 'in the nature of marriage', so DV Act relief may not apply.
- A live-in partner does not automatically inherit the other's property. But if a couple lived together for many years like husband and wife, courts may presume they were married.
Official legal reference
S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2010)
Adults living together without marriage is not an offence.
Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013)
Factors for deciding when a live-in relationship is 'in the nature of marriage' under the DV Act.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — Sections 2(f), 20
A 'domestic relationship' includes a relationship in the nature of marriage; such a woman can get money relief.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 144
A minor child, born in marriage or not, can claim maintenance from a father who has enough means.
Earlier: CrPC Section 125Read the official textUniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024
In Uttarakhand, live-in partners must register their relationship with the Registrar; not registering is punishable.
Where to get help
NALSA Free Legal Aid
Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.
Source & status
- Applies to
- Varies by state
- Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (in force since 27 January 2025) requires live-in couples living there to register within one month; not doing so is punishable. Most other states have no such rule.
- Law in force since
- 26 Oct 2006
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.