Live-In Relationships Registration? SC Calls IT ‘Hare-Brained’

Live-in relationships have become common and a part of lifestyle, mainly in metro cities.

A PIL was filed by lawyer Mamta Rani asking the Centre to set rules for the registration of live-in relationships in the wake of crimes like rape and murder by live-in partners in recent incidents.

The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL that’s seeking framing of norms for registration of every live-in relationship. The SC called the idea a ‘hare-brained’ one!

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asked if the petitioner wanted security for these people or just wanted them to not get into live-in relationships at all. The Petitioner’s counsel replied that they wanted the registration for the relationships to enhance their social security.

Before dismissing the PIL, the Court said it is high time this court starts imposing costs on petitioners who file these kinds of PILs.

The petitioner Rani was referring to the recent killing of Shraddha Walkar allegedly by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawala. The petition asks for the registration of live-in relationships that would have the data of their marital status, criminal history, and other relevant details.

Well, even if the court makes the registration mandatory, how many live-in couples would be ready to register their relationship?