MP High Court Grants Protection To Young Live-In Couple & Urges Caution Over Early Life Choices

The Madhya Pradesh High Court granted police protection to a 20-year-old live-in couple residing together against the wishes of the woman’s parents.

Relying on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Nandakumar v State of Kerala, the Court held that adults have the right to live together outside marriage and are entitled to protection from violence or coercion. 

At the same time, the Court cautioned that exercising constitutional rights at an early age may carry serious social, educational, and economic consequences, particularly for young women.

Emphasising that having rights and enforcing them are distinct, the Court directed authorities to provide protection and asked counsel to apprise the couple of the concerns expressed.

[Ruchika & Ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors.]