Punjab And Haryana HC: Relationship Between Minor Girl And Adult Male Not Acceptable

WHAT DID THE COURT SAY

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court has said that a live-in relationship between a minor girl and an adult male is not acceptable.
• It is neither morally correct nor socially desired.
• Hence the court cannot grant its seal of approval to the same.
• The decision was given by the Single Bench of Justice H S Madaan.

WHAT WAS THE CASE

• The plea had been filed by a couple which consisted of a 16 year old minor girl and a 25 year old major boy.
• They were in a live-in relationship and were seeking protection from people who had tried to interfere in their lives.
• The couple was directed to approach the Police in case there was apprehension of danger or threat to their lives and liberty.
• The petition was subsequently dismissed by the Court.

LEGAL BACKGROUND

• The case was of Kajal and Anr. V. State of Haryana and Ors.
• The Court had remarked that on many instances, the Supreme Court and other High Courts have come to protect the couples in live-in relationships.
• But in this case, the boy was not of marriageable age and hence the plea could not be granted.
• The High Court also stated that while live-in relationships were not uncommon, they were still not accepted fully by society.
• Hence, the Court was only concerned with the Right to Life and Liberty of the couple under Article 21 and not their right to be protected by the Court.

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