The Allahabad High Court recently observed that live-in relationships have got no social sanction and some framework must be found out to save the “moral values” in the society [Akash Keshari v State of UP and Another].Justice Nalin Kumar Srivastava added that the “moral values” and “normal conduct” of the young generation were changing swiftly with the changes in society.“So far as the live-in relationship is concerned, it has got no social sanction but since the youth is attracted to such relations because a young person, male or female, can easily escape from his / her liability to his / her partner, their attraction is rapidly increasing in favour of such relations. It is a high time when we all should think over it and try to find out some framework and solution to save the moral values in the society,” the Court said..The Court made the observations while dealing with a bail plea moved by a man accused of rape by his former live-in partner. The victim alleged that he continued relationship with her on the false promise of marriage.The Special Judge (SC/ST) had earlier denied bail to the man, leading to the present appeal before the High Court. The police had also invoked provisions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the accused..The accused submitted before the Court that his relationship with the victim was consensual and that they were in a live-in relationship for about six years. He also denied causing victim’s abortion. Further, the accused said he had never promised to marry the woman.However, the State argued that the accused had committed the offences with the knowledge that the victim belonged to SC/ST Community. .Considering the consensual nature of the relationship, the Court granted bail to the accused.“The Court below erred in rejecting the bail application of the appellant. The impugned order suffers from infirmity and illegality and the same is liable to be set-aside and the appeal is liable to be allowed,” it ordered..Advocate Ankit Kapoor represented the petitioner.Advocate Mohak Agarwal represented the respondent.[Read Order]
