Respect Our Culture: Allahabad High Court Dismisses Live-In Relationship Habeas Corpus

The Allahabad High Court, in a recent order, emphasized the importance of respecting Indian traditions and culture while dismissing a habeas corpus petition related to a live-in relationship. Justice Shamim Ahmed, in the January 11 order, commented on the uncommon nature of live-in relationships in India compared to Western countries.

"We live in a country where people believe in culture and traditions, which is the crown of our country, and we are proud of it; therefore, we have to respect the traditions and culture of our country," the Court asserted.

The petitioner, a 32-year-old man, filed the habeas corpus petition, alleging that his 29-year-old partner was forcibly detained by her family. However, the Court found the petitioner's version unconvincing and concluded that the petition was filed to defame the girl and extract a compromise.

"This Court does not find any justification to entertain this type of petition and to frustrate this type of petition filed by any such person in the future only to defame the image of a girl or her family members," Justice Ahmed remarked.

The Court dismissed the petition and imposed costs of ₹25,000 on the petitioner, emphasizing that entertaining such petitions could harm the reputation and image of the families involved.

The State opposed the petitioner's claims, asserting that the case was false and fabricated. The Court found merit in the State's arguments, questioning the authenticity of photographs and a letter submitted by the petitioner. It also highlighted the absence of any mention of a live-in relationship in the initial writ petition.

The judgment underscored the potential challenges faced by families in arranging marriages for their daughters if such petitions were entertained. The Court urged a careful approach to prevent the misuse of legal proceedings to tarnish reputations.

The order reflects the Court's commitment to uphold cultural values while dealing with contemporary relationship dynamics, balancing tradition with legal considerations.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University