8 rights unmarried Indian couples must know of if they are harassed

In India, unmarried couples are frequently subjected to unnecessary judgment and scrutiny, despite the fact that as adults, everyone has the freedom to choose their partners. Unfortunately, some self-proclaimed "authorities" and so-called "society guardians" often try to meddle in our personal lives. To counter this, here we list down 8 rights that all Indian unmarried couples should be aware of, so you can confidently handle any unwarranted questions or interference!

Staying together in a hotel as unmarried couples who are above 18 years of age is legally permissible if they provide valid identity proof. There is no law that prohibits unmarried couples from sharing a hotel room as long as they meet the age requirement and possess appropriate identification. However, despite the legality of the situation, some hotels in the country still refuse accommodation to such couples. Also, hotels are legally allowed to accommodate unmarried visitors from the same city where the hotel is located.

Liv-in before marriage? Is it legal? A lot of people still don't know that the highest court of India permits couples (two consenting adults) to practise live-in. The Supreme Court has affirmed that live-in partnerships are permissible, and cohabitation of two adults is neither unlawful nor unconstitutional.

Section 294 of the IPC, states that any "obscene act" in public areas can lead to a three-month sentence. However, it has been observed that the police often misuse this provision. As a result, you should be aware that you cannot be detained by the police for using obscenity while simply walking with your companion or sitting with them.

There is no legal restriction on unmarried couples jointly renting or buying a property. Cohabitation, joint ownership, and renting a home are all permissible for unmarried couples.

In the case of a live-in couple residing together for an extended period, any child born to them will not be deemed illegitimate. The Supreme Court has decreed that children born from a live-in relationship are granted legal recognition.

Yes! Unmarried couples can rent a house in India. Just that it is important to be aware that when renting a residence, a rent agreement should be created in the names of both parties involved. Refusing to rent a residence based on this criterion is against the law and can lead to legal consequences, however it's still looked down at when unmarried couples try renting a house.

Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, partners in a live-in relationship have the right to protection from domestic violence and abusive relationships. This act extends rights and safeguards to women who are not legally married but cohabit with an unmarried man in a relationship that holds the same legal status as marriage.

Engaging in consensual sex in a private setting is not a criminal offense. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, and adults, including unmarried couples, have the freedom to participate in such activities in private places. This position has been reiterated by the Supreme Court in several cases, including the 2017 Puttaswamy judgment and the 2018 Navtej Johar judgment.