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In recent legal proceedings, a young man from Ernakulam embroiled in a live-in relationship faced serious accusations. Allegedly, he molested his partner, prompting her to lodge a complaint of domestic violence against him. The Kerala High Court’s subsequent dismissal of the case led to a legal challenge.
During the hearing, the judges emphasized, “Labeling the youth’s actions as domestic violence is inaccurate. In a live-in relationship, individuals are acknowledged as partners, not spouses. Such partnerships lack the legal status of marriage, and terms like spouse or husband are reserved for legally wedded couples. Incidents of physical or mental harassment between live-in partners do not fall under the purview of domestic violence.”