While hearing a bail plea from a man accused of sexually exploiting a minor girl under the false promise of marriage, the Allahabad High Court noted that live-in relationships go against the ‘settled law in Indian middle-class society.’ The man had been booked under Sections 137(2), 87, 64(1), 61(2), and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
The case involved allegations of rape within a live-in setup. Justice Siddharth, presiding over a single-judge bench, granted bail, citing factors such as the nature of the allegations, available evidence, prison overcrowding, and the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Keep reading for the full details about the case.
Live-in Against 'Indian Middle-class Society,' Says Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over the impact of live-in relationships on women, particularly after breakups. The court observed that while men can often move on and marry after such arrangements, women frequently face social stigma and find it harder to secure a life partner. According to the court, this imbalance makes live-in relationships incompatible with the traditional values of India’s middle-class society.
Presiding over the case, Justice Siddharth noted that there has been a growing number of such matters reaching the courts, which reflects a worrying trend. He stated, “Live-in relationships tend to work against the interests of women. While a man may marry even after being in a live-in with one or multiple women, the same is not as easily possible for women after a breakup.”
The judge further remarked that ever since the Supreme Court recognized live-in relationships as legal, the courts have been overwhelmed with related disputes. He added that such cases are a result of a cultural clash, as live-in relationships contradict the established social and legal norms of India’s middle-class communities.
Details About The Case
The court made these observations while hearing the bail application of Shane Alam, who had been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was accused of engaging in a physical relationship with the complainant under the false promise of marriage, only to later back out, as per Live Law.
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Representing the informant, Advocate Madhu Yadav argued that the accused’s actions had devastated the young woman’s life, making it difficult for her to find a life partner in the future.
Acknowledging these concerns, the court remarked that while live-in relationships have gained popularity among the youth, their long-term consequences, especially for women, are visible in such cases.
Despite these concerns, the bench granted bail to the accused on June 24, 2025, taking into account his continued detention since February 25, 2025, the nature of the allegations, lack of prior criminal record, and overcrowding in prisons. Advocate Satish Chandra Singh represented the accused in the matter.
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