“Legitimacy Of Relationships Is Of No Consequence Viz-a-viz Their Right To Life And Liberty”: P & H HC Grants Police Protection To Same-Sex Live-in Couple

“Social ethos, outlook and the philosophy appear to be evolving amongst gay couples so as to gather courage and openly come out of their closets”, observed the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday. Justice Arun Monga noted that “even though gay marriage is not yet legitimate as per the applicable marriage laws in the country”, and therefore, “live-in relationships” are becoming common. The Single Judge was hearing a writ petition by two females residing as a live-in couple, praying for protection of their life and liberty against threats of their families.
“They are both majors and have a liking for each other. They are in a live-in relationship for the last six months and residing in a common accommodation”, the bench was told. “It seems that both the petitioners have prompted to file the instant petition thinking that live in relationship between the same sex as a couple is not a criminality”, remarked the Single bench. The Court added that what is perhaps coming in the way of the petitioners is “the social unacceptability of their relationship by their parents/family members, owing to which they are living under constant fear”.