Court Affirms the Fundamental Right to Personal Liberty, Directs State to Safeguard Life and Liberty of Couples
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court, presided over by Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, has underscored the importance of personal liberty and the right to live-in relationships, particularly in the context of interfaith couples. The judgment, delivered on March 18, 2026, pertains to a case filed by Kajal Prajapati and another petitioner, who sought protection against threats to their life and liberty due to their interfaith live-in relationship.
The court emphasized that the right to live with a person of one's choice is intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. It further stated that the state and law could not dictate personal relationships, reaffirming that interference in such matters constitutes a breach of fundamental rights.
The court's decision is grounded in the constitutional provisions of Articles 14, 15, and 21, which guarantee equal protection of law, non-discrimination, and the right to life and personal liberty, respectively. Justice Singh highlighted that no discrimination could be made based on caste, creed, sex, or religion, ensuring equal treatment for all individuals within India's territory.
Referring to the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, the court clarified that the Act does not prohibit interfaith relationships, and no offense could be presumed without proper inquiry or FIR under the Act. The right to choose a partner lies within the exclusive domain of the individual, reaffirming the court's stance on personal autonomy.
The ruling also draws on several landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India, including those in Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M., which have consistently upheld the legality and protection of live-in relationships. These precedents reinforce the freedom of choice and dignity of individuals, emphasizing that adults have the right to decide their partners without interference from the state or society.
Justice Singh's judgment mandates the state to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, irrespective of religious beliefs. The court directed the petitioners to approach police authorities for redressal in case of any harm, ensuring that their grievances would be addressed in accordance with the law.
This judgment marks a pivotal moment in safeguarding individual rights, particularly for interfaith couples, and sets a precedent for upholding personal liberty and choice in relationships.
Bottom Line:
Article 21 of the Constitution of India protects the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, including the right of individuals to live in a live-in relationship of their choice irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. Interference in such personal relationships constitutes a breach of fundamental rights.
Statutory provision(s): Article 14, Article 15, Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021
Kajal Prajapati v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2874901
