LI Network
Published on: 03 September 2023 at 12:41 IST
The Allahabad High Court has expressed apprehensions regarding a perceived deliberate campaign to undermine the institution of marriage in India, primarily through the promotion of live-in relationships in various media, including the realm of films and television.
Justice Siddharth, acting as the sole judge in this case, emphasized the inherent differences between marriage and live-in relationships, highlighting the facets of security, social acceptance, progress, and stability that marriage provides, which are not necessarily mirrored in the latter.
The court voiced objections to the portrayal of infidelity within married relationships and the celebration of free live-in relationships as symbols of societal advancement. It bemoaned the allure these concepts hold for the younger generation and cautioned against their normalization, asserting that unless marriage becomes obsolete in the country, live-in relationships should not be embraced without due consideration. By drawing parallels with developed nations that grapple with challenges to the institution of marriage, the court underscored the importance of preserving Indian societal stability and progress.
Furthermore, the court emphasized the pivotal role of harmonious family relationships in an individual’s capacity to contribute to the nation’s advancement. It pointed out that frequent changes in partners cannot be construed as a hallmark of a healthy and stable society, while underscoring that live-in relationships cannot offer the same level of security and stability as marriage.
The court also stressed the significance of middle-class morality in upholding the social, political, and economic stability of the nation.
It highlighted the sizeable middle-class population as a crucial factor in determining the nation’s overall stability, contrasting this with the upper and lower classes, which may not be bound by the same moral standards.
These observations were made in the context of a bail application for an individual accused of rape, where the alleged offense occurred under the false promise of marriage during a live-in relationship.
The court recognized that live-in relationships may initially seem appealing but can become problematic as societal norms and middle-class moral standards come into play, affecting the perception of the involved parties.
The court also acknowledged the challenges faced by the female partner in regaining social acceptance following a break-up.
Furthermore, the court noted that family members of female live-in partners often aspire to have their daughters or sisters married to their male partners.
It highlighted the difficulty women from live-in relationships may encounter in finding a male partner willing to marry them due to prevailing social norms.
Lastly, the court attributed the erosion of the institution of marriage in part to the influence of films and television serials. It cited the lack of a middle class in neighboring Pakistan as an example of the social, political, religious, and ethical instability that can arise in the absence of middle-class values.
Ultimately, while granting bail to the accused, the court considered several factors, including the uncertainty surrounding the trial, one-sided police investigations, the disregard for the accused’s perspective, and the issue of overcrowded jails.
