New Delhi: Live-in couples today gave a
mixed response to a Supreme Court order that a woman in such
a relationship is not entitled to maintenance unless she
fulfilled certain parameters saying the ruling has far-reaching
implications.
While a section welcomed the judgement saying it will
"wipe out the unnecessary harassment angle", another said it
went against women who were genuinely put against the wall.
The Supreme Court today held that a woman in a live-in
relationship was not entitled to maintenance unless she
fulfils certain parameters and that merely spending weekends
together or a one-night stand will not make it a domestic
relationship.
"I welcome this judgement. Now one cannot just go to
court and say I am harassed, I want compensation or
maintenance. The court has specified on what conditions
maintenance has to be given," said Rajesh Ahuja, an
advertisement professional who is in a live-in relationship.
However, a software professional Bindya Naik felt that
the judgement was not in favour of women as it put more burden
on the woman to prove that the relationship complies with the
laid-down conditions.
"Not always women are at par in such relationships.
These conditions put a burden on such people," Naik, who is in
a "very happy" live-in relationship, said. However, she
admitted women could misuse the provisions of law to harass
their male counterpart.
Vidhi Sharma, a model, was not in support of Naik`s
views and said women in this century were equal in all aspects
with men and did not need any concessions.
"When I go into a live-in relationship, I know it is
not in accordance with the social norms per se. Then what is
the point in crying. You are taking a bold decision and face
it boldly," Sharma said.
-PTI
