History
A modern word may be a Live-in relationship but the definition is old. We find a description in the Vedas of eight kinds of marriages, one of which is the form of Gandharva, in which a man and a woman mutually agree to marry. This does not include either the couple's families or a formal ceremony to solemnize the union. It is just a dedication to word-of-mouth. But it also falls under marriage's purview. While the Gandharva vivaaha united a couple, the devotion and obligation were similar to any of the other forms of marriages ordained in the traditional texts.[1]

Live-in relationship legal or illegal in India

The legal status of live-in relationships in India has been evolved and determined by the Supreme Court in its various judgments. However, there is no separate legislation that lays down the provisions of live-in relationships and provides legality to this concept. Though the concept of a live-in relationship is considered immoral by society but is not illegal in the eyes of the law. The Supreme Court states that living together is a right to life and therefore it cannot be held illegal.

The court has also tried to improve the conditions of the women and children borne out of live-in relationships by defining their status under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 if the relationship is proved to be a relationship like a marriage”.

In a recent case of May 5th, 2015, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikramajit Sen and A M Sapre, dismissed a petition by the petitioner 'Z’ who worked in the Bollywood and contended that the respondent could not claim the status of a wife to be legally entitled to get maintenance under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Court held that cohabitation of a couple would give rise to the presumption of a valid marriage and if a live-in relationship breaks down, the man is bound to pay maintenance to the women.[2]

Pros and cons of live-in relationship

Pros
Essentially, if we dive deep into what in particular is a live-in relationship, we will become more acquainted with that it resembles a marriage Without all the legalities and responsibilities. Furthermore, the main thing by this will be that you will become more acquainted with your accomplice better, and at a lot further level. Regularly, before you make things a stride further, couples select a live-in relationship before they can get hitched to perceive what it resembles. This is helpful so you can determine the fields wherein you can have to work or whether you truly need to be hitched to your better half.

For many individuals, it is just the absolute delight of getting up ahead of schedule close to each other, consistently being in the organization of each other, and going to bed together. Some lean toward a live-in relationship since they can't deal with the kind of devotion involved in a marriage. In such circumstances, the couple finds that it serves them and their lives simpler to live together without the guidelines. Should the relationship separate, they certainly don't have any desire to chance getting made up for a lost time in a terrible separation battle.

Cons
The extraordinary drawback of a live-in relationship is social restriction. Society is finding it hard to kindly grasp such a relationship. It is viewed as unsatisfactory, particularly by the more established age. Couples in this type of organization are habitually bothered for their inclination by society. The absence of commitment is another disadvantage. Any debate or battle may prompt a separation, while a fight is constantly trailed by reasoning and goal in marriage.

Quite a while into the relationship, because of the absence of individual space, one of the accomplices may feel 'choked' in the relationship. Some may even experience a feeling of dullness that makes the relationship endure and may prompt a deplorable separation. [3]

Marriage v. Live in relationship

Some of the major differences when it comes to discussing live in relationship vs marriage include:
Family Support:
This is one significant point of distinction between the two. With regard to marriage, the conviction is that marriage happens between two families. Be that as it may, with regards to a live-in relationship, it is just between two individuals. Family upholds in the event of marriage are present which is generally lacking in a live-in relationship. Particularly in India families actually, disdain after living relationships.

Children:
Marriage is known to have social and legitimate advantages for kids. Even though the youngster resulting from a live-in relationship is authentic, in any case, the dad in this situation doesn't hold a commitment to help the kid. Here, the mother is generally viewed as the legitimate watchman.

Commitment:
There are different examinations and articles on a live-in relationship that show that individuals staying in a co-living relationship have responsibility gives later on when contrasted with wedded couples. Analysts accept that individuals who ordinarily have responsibility issues go into a co-living relationship.

Health:
There are different explores which recommend that individuals who are hitched have better mental and actual wellbeing in contrast with unmarried couples which likewise includes live-in accomplices. There have been reports where hitched couples show lower paces of ongoing sicknesses in contrast with live in accomplices.[4]

Conclusion
Live-in relationships are rising and are gaining a lot of popularity in India. Today, individuals in partnership situations are gradually respecting individual decisions. There are some benefits and drawbacks to some kind of partnership. It is just a matter of personal preferences to pick the form of relationship.

Summary
In today's world, there is a term called 'live-in relationship’ which is trending these days which means cohabitation of an unmarried couple. Live-in-relationships in our culture aren't new. The only difference is that now people are more open as compared to previous times. In old times this thing was known as Maitri Karars,. This culture is growing rapidly as now a day’s people think that living together to test (whether they are perfect for each other or not) each other for some time is far better than taking divorce and separation. Some people think that it is illegal which is untrue. Article 21 of the constitution says that everyone has personnel liberty and freedom.

Indian societies haven’t accepted this culture which is the biggest disadvantage. Especially the old generation people because they think this is not good but according to me, if we take this thing in a good way, living in a relationship isn't that bad, it allows the couple to understand one another and their preferences. The main thing is that it teaches how to live in a disciplined way with your partner.

End-Notes:

1. https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/live-in-relationships-vedas-marriage-rape-prostitution-supreme-court/story/1/3361.html
2. https://www.legallyindia.com/views/entry/right-of-maintenance-to-women-in-live-in-relationships#:~:text=Though%20the%20concept%20of%20live,it%20cannot%20be%20held%20illegal.
3. https://youthincmag.com/live-relationship-pros-cons#:~:text=The%20very%20advantage%20of%20being,to%20satisfy%20their%20various%20needs.
4. https://www.myadvo.in/blog/the-legal-status-of-live-in-relationships

Written By: Adarsh