Madras HC Calls for 'Wife' Status for Women in Live-in Relationships to Ensure Protection
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In a landmark ruling, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has emphasized the need to grant women in live-in relationships the status of 'wife' to safeguard their protection. The court made this observation while dismissing an anticipatory bail plea filed by a man accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman under false promises of marriage. The case involved a man who was in a live-in relationship with a woman in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli district. He was arrested and accused of physical relations under false promises of marriage, but later allegedly reneged on the promise. The court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail, citing a prima facie case under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which treats such relationships as a criminal offence. Justice S Srimathy noted that women in live-in relationships often lack the legal protections afforded to married women. She emphasized that the courts have a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable women under the modern societal framework. The judge observed that men often exploit the legal grey area in live-in relationships, only to shame or blame women when their bond turns sour. The court's ruling aims to address the exploitation of women in live-in relationships, where they are often left with no protection under the law. Justice Srimathy affirmed that men who take advantage of this in the name of modernity and renege on marriage promises cannot escape legal consequences. The judge emphasized that Section 69 of the BNS serves as a crucial provision to protect women in such situations. The Madras High Court's ruling highlights the need for greater protection and rights for women in live-in relationships. The court's emphasis on granting them the status of 'wife' under the ancient concept of Gandharva marriage is a significant step towards ensuring their protection and safeguarding their rights.
