Is It Legal to Live With Your Partner Without Marriage in India?

Yes, live-in relationships are legal in India for consenting adults.

The Supreme Court in S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2010) and Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013) upheld that such relationships are protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Partners in a long-term live-in may be recognised as a "relationship in the nature of marriage" under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, giving rights like maintenance and protection. Social disapproval does not invalidate legal protection.