Registration of Live-In Relations; CJI Dismisses the Plea as “Harebrained Idea”

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday dismissed a petition seeking regulatory rules to “register live-in relationships” terming it a “harebrained idea”.

A lawyer had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging for guidelines for the mandatory registration of every live-in relationship in the country. He also sought social security of couples living together. According to the petitioner, it could reduce crimes related to live-in relations.

Reacting to this PIL, the CJI said, “What is this? People come with anything here. We’ll start imposing costs on such cases. Registration with whom? The central government? What does the central government have to do with people in live-in relationships?”

“Are you trying to foster the security of these people or not let people be in live-in relationships? Please. A cost should be imposed on these petitions. Just hare-brained that is all…dismissed,” said the Chief Justice, apparently annoyed.

The petitioner wanted the Centre to be the registrar for live-in relationships.

This petition was filed after the Shraddha Walkar murder case came to light.