In a recent ruling, the Allahabad High Court stated that people under the age of 18 are not allowed to have live-in relationships, since doing so is not only unethical but also against the law. The ruling came as the bench, consisting of Justices Vivek Kumar Birla and Rajendra Kumar, dismissed a petition filed by Ali Abbas, a 17-year-old boy, and his live-in partner Saloni Yadav, aged 19. The bench clarified that certain conditions must be met for a live-in relationship to be considered akin to marriage, and most importantly, one of the individuals involved must be of legal age (above 18 years), even if they are not of marriageable age (21 years). Therefore, a minor cannot partake in a live-in relationship, as it would not only be morally objectionable but also legally impermissible.
Regarding the case at hand, the court rejected the petitioners' joint request to quash the FIR filed against the boy under IPC sections 363 and 366, alleging abduction of the girl. The FIR was filed by the girl's family members. The bench stated that seeking protection based on a live-in relationship with a legal adult would not be a valid defence for an accused below 18 years of age. Such activities are unlawful and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The court expressed concern that allowing such practices would essentially reward illegal conduct, which would not be in the best interest of society. Therefore, the judges declined to endorse or validate these legally impermissible activities.
The court emphasized that individuals below the age of 18 are considered children and, as such, cannot be involved in live-in relationships. Existing laws do not provide any protective measures for such relationships, except in cases where both parties involved are of legal age, thus ensuring their personal liberty. In conclusion, the Allahabad High Court has made it clear that minors cannot engage in live-in relationships due to both moral and legal considerations. The judgment serves as a reminder that adherence to age restrictions is essential for preserving societal norms and values.
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