The Allahabad High Court has said that no criminal offence is made out if a married man lives in a consensual live-in relationship with an adult woman, and directed authorities to ensure protection for the couple. A division bench of Justice J J Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena made the observation in an order dated March 25 while hearing a petition filed by a live-in couple who alleged threats from the woman’s family. Asserting that morality and law must remain separate, the court said social opinions cannot influence judicial decisions when it comes to protecting individual rights. “There is no offence of the kind where a married man, staying with an adult in a live-in relationship with the consent of the other person, can be prosecuted for any offence whatsoever. Morality and law have to be kept apart. If no offence under the law is made out, social opinions and morality will not guide the action of the court in protecting the rights of citizens,” the bench said, as quoted by The Times of India. The case arose after the woman’s family filed an FIR alleging that the man, who is married, had lured away the 18-year-old woman. The family argued that living with another woman while married constituted a crime. However, the court rejected this contention, noting that the woman had informed the Superintendent of Police in Shahjahanpur that she is an adult and is living with the man of her own free will. She also told authorities that her family opposed the relationship and had threatened her with death, raising fears of an honour killing. The petition said no action was taken on her complaint. Taking note of this, the court said it is the duty of the police to protect consenting adults living together. It found a prima facie case and issued notices to the respondents, giving the state two weeks to file a counter-affidavit. The court also granted interim protection, directing that the petitioners should not be arrested in the case registered under Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Jaitipur police station in Shahjahanpur. It further restrained the woman’s family from causing any harm or contacting the couple in any manner. The court said the Superintendent of Police, Shahjahanpur, will be personally responsible for ensuring their safety until further orders. For the Latest news, India News and breaking stories from around the world, visit Times Now for live coverage and in-depth reporting. Arpita Ghosh (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at Times Now Digital, with over eight years of experience in digital journalism. She has worked across v... View More