Allahabad High Court Directs Police Protection for Adult Same-Sex Couple in Live-In Relationship

The Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh Police to protect an adult same-sex couple who approached the Court alleging threats from family members over their decision to live together.

Background

The petitioners, one Hindu and one Muslim, told the Court that both were adults and had voluntarily chosen to reside together. They sought protection against interference and threats from their families.

Legal issue and Court's reasoning

Justice Dr Gautam Chowdhary noted that major persons capable of understanding their own welfare are entitled to make personal choices about companionship and residence. The Court treated the immediate issue as one of liberty and safety rather than recognition of a marital status.

The police were directed to provide protection if anyone obstructs the couple's peaceful cohabitation, after verifying that both are majors and are living together voluntarily.

Result and practical consequence

The order therefore does not confer marriage rights or decide broader questions concerning legal recognition of same-sex unions. Its immediate effect is to protect two adults from coercive family interference and threats while they live together by choice.