Live-in relationship neither a crime nor a sin, says Supreme Court of India. While majority of us do not support it. Reason being – it is unethical, against our Indian culture, women harassment, increase in financial and domestic violence, wrong message to upcoming generations, etc.

As one of our readers, Ms. Kulvinder Sudhir Chhugani puts it: “A marriage is legal and most trusted way of living together. There is every chance of getting into troubles in a live-in relationship. I don’t think, any religion accepts or permits a live-in relationship in India.”

Ms. Manisha Khatri says: “The idea is already to have fun first and then figure out how to deal with it. The boy thinks is it just a physical relationship while girl thinks it is a beginning. Nothing is clear. Those who sincerely want a live-in relationship should marry.”

Majority of youth finds it fun, easy & clear way to get the right person, way to increase one’s maturity and independency, less sorrowful, etc.

Ms. Vartika Khandelwal says: “Well, it should be one’s personal choice. These days when marriages are becoming so fragile, live-in relationship is not so bad either.”

Sonia Anand Thakra agrees: “Why not? What’s wrong in a live-in relationship? Don’t bring religion into it. Marriage is a legal and most trusted way of living together? Seriously!!!! What about all the extra marital affairs? Trust, hmmm!! I think ultimately the onus of trust and commitment is an individual choice. Nothing to do with a piece of paper that makes something legal. I believe in the constitution of marriage and also in live-in relationship. It’s all in the mind.”

Legally, though Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – which for the first time recognized a man-woman relationship outside wedlock – did not cover live-in relationships in general. It offers protection against domestic violence to a woman in a live-in relationship that is in the nature of marriage.

Well, it sounds unclear. But let’s hope of not making use of this law if you are planning to be in a live-in relationship. And for that, lets us discuss few pros and cons of this nature of human relationship.

Cons of Live-in relationships:

1.  No commitment: When you live with someone you are not married to, your level of commitment to the relationship is not at its full potential.
2. Need to compromise big-time: The partner might not change his/her habits just because you don’t like them.
3. Financial Matters: though you are monetary independent, there are matters which need combined bank-balance. Are you & your partner ready for it?

Pros of Live-in relationships:

1. Freedom: You have the choice of living with your partner. If you don’t like it. You can walk out without any legal formalities.
2. No pressure: Since you are not the ‘husband’, you are not loaded with filling in the ration boxes. And since you are not the ‘wife’, you are not supposed to do all the household chores and kitchen work. You two share the work, an issue which is mostly ‘taught’ to the married couples for a happy living.
3. Test of compatibility: You now know is he/she is compatible with you and your family or not. This saves you from all the drama one would do while breaking out of a courtship period if compatibility doesn’t work.

Pay attention to these views:

Ms. Shanu Sharma: “There is nothing good or bad about any relationship. After break up, everyone feels the same. Then why to blame only live-in relationships?”

Mr. Anirudh Bagri: “The question is – what can a marriage possibly give you, more than, what a live in relationship can, apart from legal recognition and social acceptance. And I guess if you can do without that, which supposedly LOVERS should be okay with, a live-in relationship is nothing less than a socially and legally obligated form of the same called ‘marriage’.”

Mr. Vaibhav Sharda: “New concept. Good for some. But one must remember that Indian Society is still conservative and not everyone can go for it.”

Our say: Simply think twice before deciding to live with your partner whether in a marriage or a live-in relationship. There is no evidence that if you decide to try a live-in relationship before marriage you will have a stronger marriage. OR if you have married infront of a 1000 people, your bond will last (for next 7 lives!).