The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh police to ensure the safety of a same-sex couple in a live-in relationship

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to an interfaith same-sex couple in a live-in relationship. File | Photo credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to an interfaith same-sex couple in a live-in relationship, saying the lack of recognition of marriage does not give anyone the freedom to attack the dignity and physical safety of adult citizens.

Justice Gautam Chowdhary said the couple had the freedom to live together peacefully without interference from their family members or any other person.

The court ordered that in the event of any obstacle to the couple’s cohabitation, the police, after verifying that they are of legal age and voluntarily living together, will immediately provide security for them.

A lawyer for the couple told the court that there had been threats to the lives of both women from their family members and that they needed immediate police protection.

However, an adviser to the state government argued that same-sex relationships “affect the natural and traditional framework of society” and were not accepted.

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

Given the law laid down by the Supreme Court, the court said that being in a live-in relationship is a fundamental right of two adult citizens who choose to live together of their own free will.

It added that family members, other relatives or any part of society has no legal right to interfere or violate their physical freedom.

In its September 14 ruling, the court said the lack of recognition of marriage does not give anyone the freedom to attack the dignity and physical safety of adult citizens.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 09:16 IST