In a bold and commendable move, the Allahabad High Court has spoken out against the rising trend of live-in relationships in India. Justice Siddharth, while granting bail to a man accused of raping his live-in partner, highlighted the importance of preserving the institution of marriage, which forms the bedrock of our society and cultural values.
The court’s assertion that live-in relationships are part of a “systematic design to destroy the institution of marriage” is a stark wake-up call to the changing societal dynamics that often undermine the sanctity of wedlock. While personal freedom and choice are essential, we must not disregard the importance of traditional values that have held our society together for centuries.
Marriage, as an institution, offers not only emotional security but also social acceptance and stability to individuals. It provides a framework for raising children, nurturing families, and fostering a sense of commitment and responsibility. These values are the very essence of our middle class morality, and they cannot be easily dismissed or replaced.
Justice Siddharth’s assertion that “the security, social acceptance, progress, and stability which the institution of marriage provides to a person is never provided by a live-in relationship” is a hard-hitting truth that many often overlook. While live-in relationships may offer a sense of personal freedom, they often lack the stability and long-term commitment that marriages inherently provide.
It is imperative to acknowledge that the court’s stance is not an attack on personal choices but a defence of the core values that have held our society together. In a nation as diverse as India, accommodating various lifestyles is crucial. However, this should not come at the cost of undermining the foundation upon which our society rests.
The argument that live-in relationships destabilise our society and hinder progress is not unfounded. Studies have shown that stable families and marriages are linked to better social outcomes, including the well-being of children. It is essential to strike a balance between individual freedoms and societal harmony.
The Allahabad High Court’s criticism of live-in relationships is a commendable stand in favour of preserving the values of marriage and middle class morality. While personal choices should be respected, they must not come at the expense of eroding the very values that have made our society strong and resilient. Upholding the institution of marriage is not regressive; it is a commitment to the progress and stability of our great nation, India.
