Live-in Relationship Between Consenting Adults Cannot be Obstructed by Parents: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that a live-in relationship between consenting adults cannot be obstructed by parents or relatives.

The case arose after a young couple approached the Court seeking police protection, alleging threats from the woman’s father, who opposed their relationship. The couple stated they had been in a relationship since 2024 and had executed a live-in relationship agreement in February 2026 before starting to live together.

The Court observed that adults have the autonomy to choose their partners and reside together, even outside marriage.

Referring to the SC’s ruling in Nandakumar v. State of Kerala, the Court reiterated that consenting adults have an unfettered right to live together, protected under Article 21.

[Kartik & Anr. v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.]