Prayagraj : The Allahabad high court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to ensure protection for a Hindu-Muslim lesbian couple in Varanasi whose live-in relationship was allegedly being threatened by their family members.
He told the court that they belonged to different faiths and were of the same sex. After perusing the certificates, the high court directed that in case of any obstacle to the couple’s live-in relationship, the police shall immediately provide security to them. During the course of the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that the two were unmarried and in a live-in relationship. The counsel added that there was a serious threat to their lives from their family members and that they needed immediate police protection. The high court, after interacting with the couple, observed that they were majors and had decided to live together without any pressure, fear or undue influence.
High Court Upholds Couple’s Right to Live Together
Justice Gautam Chowdhary emphasized the couple’s right to live together without interference from family or others. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that both individuals are adults and are cohabiting of their own accord. To support this claim, the counsel presented high court certificates confirming their adult status. In response, the high court reiterated that family members, relatives, or any societal group lack the legal authority to disrupt the couple’s physical liberty.
Considering the law laid down by the Supreme Court in this regard, the high court said that being in a live-in relationship is a fundamental right of two adult citizens who decide to live together by choice.