Allahabad HC directs UP Police to protect inter-faith same-sex couple in live-in relationship

The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh Police to provide protection to an inter-faith same-sex couple living together, observing that the absence of legal recognition of their marriage does not permit anyone to threaten their dignity or physical safety.

Justice Gautam Chowdhary said the two women have the right to live together peacefully without interference from their families or any other person.

The court ordered police to provide immediate security if the couple faces any obstruction to their live-in relationship, after verifying that both are adults and have chosen to live together voluntarily.

The couple's lawyer told the court that the women faced threats to their lives from family members and urgently required police protection.

The state government's counsel, however, argued that same-sex relationships "affect the natural and traditional framework of society" and are "not accepted".

After interacting with the couple, the court found that both women were adults and had decided to live together without pressure, fear or undue influence.

Referring to the legal principles laid down by the Supreme Court, the High Court said two adult citizens have a fundamental right to choose to live together in a live-in relationship.

The court further observed that family members, relatives or any section of society have no legal authority to interfere with or violate the physical liberty of consenting adults.

In its September 14 order, the court reiterated that the absence of marital recognition does not give anyone the right to threaten or violate the dignity and physical safety of adult citizens.  (with inputs from PTI)