Live in relationships in India

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Neetu Banga

26 February, 2010

Live in relationships are an alien concept that jarrs with our culture and traditions. The Indian social structure may not stand the wear of such a practice. Legalising such relationships can only lead to moral squalor.

THE CONCEPT of live-in relationships is far different from that of marriage. Marriage is a lifetime commitment whereas a live-in relationship is an arangement by choice entered into by individuals who want to runaway from responsibilities. Most of the people going in for live-in relationships are those who just want to enjoy life with fun for some time but are afraid of the responsibilities that come along with being committed. They desire the emotional/physical security of a relationship as well as the freedom and independence that comes with being single. Giving live-in relationships legal validity will mean the dilution of social morality, social obligations and family bonds. It also amounts almost to legalizing prostitution.

The scenario is fast changing in India where more and more women are financially independent and contribute to the family kitty in terms of running the house. There are enough laws in the Indian constitution to protect the Indian women when they are in trouble. The least the government can do is not to legalize live in relationships and destroy the institution of marriage. If people in such relationships want security why don't they get married which is already legalized? Moreover, marriage is miles better than a live-in relationship in the longer run.

We are not westerners and live-in relationship will eventually lead to a lot of mental turmoil and practical complications like child custody. No one can guarantee that in such relationships children will not be born. Who will look after the women involved when they pass their prime and no one wants to 'live in' with them? I do not know why we want to change our culture and traditions and imitate westerners. There the state takes care of old people which is not so in India. There will be lesser trust and decorum between couples and also more divorces and litigation.

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COMMENTS (5)

love u

its one's own life.. others dnt hve the rite to decide wt is gud for women and wt is nt... its tme governemt steps bck and let ppl live dre life dre own way

This is a very unidimensional article with a complete lack of in depth analysis. Demonizing "western" culture only serves to highlight the jingoism inherent in the viewpoint that keeps Indian women in the purdah and afraid to exercise independent choices.

This comment has been removed by the moderator

Vyasamoorthy

"It also amounts almost to legalizing prostitution." You are wrong. Both are not the same. Live in requires more courage and conviction. Such couples are mature and know what they are doing. Mutual consent is definetly present, unlike arranged marriages for money and family reasons. When regular marriages go awry, society does not step in to help.