”Marriage needn’t validate love”

I believe two people are connected at heart, and it doesn’t matter what you do, who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together – Julia Roberts

In India, although cohabitation i.e live-in relationship is not illegal, it is considered unethical. People call it a sin and never show willingness to acknowledge this kind of a relationship. Why is it so? Is it just because two people who are in love decide to be together without marrying? India is westernizing in every sphere then why don’t we get rid of such orthodoxies? The Supreme Court of India permitted live-in relationships and it did not consider it a crime or a sin, instead it asked the parliament to frame laws acknowledging the same. Decision to marry or not, to be a homosexual or heterosexual is all personal decision. Why do we interfere into other’s private affairs?

The present generation opts for live-in relationships because of its advantages. Individuals can be together till the date they wish. They can live their lives as they like. Being with the person they love helps them to know each other better, makes them to understand each other better, makes them to be more adjustable, etc. They share a bond of love, which is unbound by marriage. But, why do we always connect live-in relationship with sexual relationship? It’s time to shun such narrow thoughts and be broadminded. It is high time India gives up its conventional ideologies and accepts the practice of live-in relationships. So all the orthodox people out there, live-in relationship is not a sin! Get over it!

— About the Author: The article has been contributed by our intern, Palak Jain.