The ruling reinforces a rights-based interpretation of Article 21, strengthening jurisprudence on personal liberty and human dignity.

Key Observation of Court on Live-In Relationship

• Legality: The Court clarified that live-in relationships between consenting adults are neither criminal nor prohibited under Indian law.
• Autonomy: It reaffirmed that adults are free to make personal life choices, and such autonomy cannot be restricted merely due to social or familial disapproval.
• State Duty: The judgment emphasised that denial of police protection in such cases amounts to a failure of the State’s constitutional obligation to safeguard life and liberty.
• Social Morality: The Court held that concerns about “social fabric” cannot override fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
• Evidentiary Presumption: It referred to Section 114 of the Indian Evidence Act / Section 119(1) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 which  states that if a couple lives together for a significant period of time as husband and wife, they shall be presumed to be married. 
  • The Courts shall apply this presumption to protect the rights of parties in a live-in relationship, particularly women and children born out of such relationships.