Madras High Court Suggests Legal Protection for Women in Live-In Relationships

The Madras High Court, through Justice S. Srimathy, highlighted the legal vulnerabilities faced by women in live-in relationships, describing them as a 'cultural shock' to Indian society despite their growing prevalence. The court suggested granting women in such relationships the status of a 'wife' under the concept of Gandharva marriage to ensure legal protection, especially when men withdraw marriage promises after intimate relations. This observation arose while dismissing a bail plea of a man accused of deceiving a woman with false marriage assurances, emphasizing the need for statutory safeguards to prevent exploitation and emotional harm.