Delhi High Court Grants Police Protection To Live-In Couple Despite Existing Marriages To Other People, Cites Article 21 Rights

The Delhi High Court has granted police protection to a couple in a live-in relationship, holding that their right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be denied merely because they are already married to other individuals.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee observed,

“Since the petitioners are both Indian national citizens, they are well and truly entitled to the protection as available to them in the form of the guarantees and fundamental right(s), enshrined under Article(s) 19 and 21 of the Constitution. For this, the status of the citizens, whether they are (un)married or are in a Live-In relationship, is not a germane factor for consideration “

The bench was dealing with a writ petition filed by two consenting adults who sought protection from alleged threats and intimidation by the family members and husband of the woman.

Petitioners submitted that they had been facing continuous harassment and feared for their safety after choosing to live together.

According to the plea, the woman had been subjected to humiliation and torture by her husband since 2016, following which she began residing with the Petitioner no.2 in a live-in relationship in Hyderabad from February 2026.

However, due to alleged threats from her family and local police interference, the couple relocated to Delhi and approached the High Court seeking protection.

The Court observed, “Their right to freedom and/ or right to life and personal liberty deserve protection from this Court since, at the end of the day, both the petitioners being consenting adults have approached this Court for adequate protection.”

Without delving into the legality of the couple's relationship or the memorandum of understanding executed between them, the Court directed that the petitioners may approach the concerned Station House Officer whenever required, and the police shall take all necessary steps to ensure their safety.

Appearance: Mr. Lakshay Sharma, Adv. (Through VC) for Petitioners; Mr. Yasir Rauf Ansari, ASC with Mr. Alok Sharma, Adv. SI- Talib Khan for Respondents

Case title: Meena Akhilesh Yadav & Anr. v. State

Case no.: W.P.(CRL) 1091/2026

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