Live-in-relationship gets legal status, couples to be presumed married: Supreme Court

New Delhi, April 14: In a landmark judgment that can reduce the stigma of living in a live-in-relationship, the Supreme Court on Monday, April 13 ruled out that couples living in live-in-relationships will be presumed legally married.

The apex court also said that in case if the man dies, then his property will be inherited by his partner. [Can't keep live-in relations outside purview of rape: Delhi HC]

The historic verdict was given by the bench consiting of Justice MY Eqbal and Justice Amitava Roy.

Since 2010, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour that women should get the rights as that of a wife, in case of live-in couples.

The decision was taken in the backdrop of a case pertaining to an old man, who kept a woman as his mistress for 20 years in a joint family. [Pics: Unknown & interesting facts about inter-caste marriages in India]

After his death, that woman was not entitled to inherit share in his property, but the verdict has turned the table into her favour. [Failure of live-in relationship a major reason of increasing rape cases: Delhi High Court]

On November 28, 2013, the Supreme Court had held that live-in relationship is neither a crime nor a sin, while asking Parliament to frame law for protection of women in such relationship and children born out of it.

OneIndia News