Live in Relationships Section 498 of IPC applies | UPSC Updates | Qualify IAS

Supreme Court on Live-in Relationships

The Supreme Court held that live-in relationships are a social reality.

Section 498A of the IPC (now Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023) can apply to a live-in relationship that is "in the nature of marriage."

Women in such qualifying relationships are entitled to protection against cruelty.

The Court said the term "husband" should be interpreted purposively to protect women from abuse.

The ruling applies only where the relationship resembles a marriage and is between consenting adults.