Experts participated in a seminar on the pros and cons of live-in relationships that was hosted by the Amity Law School-II here today.
Justice S.N Srivastava, a former judge of the Allahabad High Court said that while live-in relationships are still considered unacceptable in Indian society, they dogive an sense of freedom to any partner to live together as long they want.
"There is no commitment, very less responsibility and very easy to breakup. Live in relationship can be best described as perfect rehearsal of married life," opined Justice Srivastava.
Expressing his observation on the status of legitimacy of a child out of the live in relationship, he said that under the Hindu Marriage Act Amendment of 1976, it has been described that whether the marriage is void or voidable, the child will always be a legal entity.
While commenting on institution of marriage, Justice Srivastava said that according to Indian philosophy, marriages are made in heaven and performed on earth.
Former Madhya Pradesh high court judge Justice Fakhruddin threw light on the secular provision of Criminal Procedure Code, wherein a woman can claim maintenance.
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While sharing his views on live in relationship, Justice Fakhruddin said that it is very difficult to rely on any person in temporary arrangements.
Professor Mamta Srivastava, Additional Director, Amity Law School Centre-II, said that in India, the sanctity of marriage is deeply rooted.
"There is plethora of personal laws in our country which govern the marriage and divorce issues amongst different religions like Hindu Marriage and Divorce Act, Muslim Personal Law, Special Marriage Act and the Indian Divorce Act etc," said Professor Sharma.
She added that in recent times the concept of marriage has lost its sanctity, especially when it came to the younger generation.
"Today, youth prefer live in relationship instead of getting married which is creating many legal, social controversies," she said.
Prof. (Dr.) Rajiv Khanna, Former Professor - Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, said the dream of having unified civil court for marriages is still not achieved even after 65 years of Independence. Marriages and divorce in India is still governed by different personal laws, he added.
Ms. Naresh Bakshi, Advocate on Record - Supreme Court of India presented her talk on the topic "Live-in at International Plane"
Law professionals, Faculty from Amity Law School Centre-II were present during the faculty development program.