Live-in relationship is prominently increasing in India as an easy way similar to marriage. It is defined as a domestic cohabitation between an adult couple who are not married. Apparently, it appears like a stress-free companionship without any legal obligations; conversely, it has many complications, responsibilities and legal liabilities. Recently attempts have been made to bring it in the ambit of some laws. It is no longer an offence in India and many guidelines pertaining to maintenance, property, the legal status of a child have been issued in various decisions of the Apex Court. Still it is a debatable issue in India. There are many grey areas which need appropriate attention like, official documentation, cultural issues, property rights, will and gift rights, anti-religion status, LGBT community and so on. The primary focus of the article is on to comprehend the concept of live-in relationship with the help of secondary sources. Thereafter, an attempt has been made to study the problems and challenges faced by the couples with the help of descriptive and analytic methodology. Lastly, the article argues on the need for framing a separate, secular and gender-sensitive law for the couple opting to cohabit in a live-in relationship. Read more
