In a recent ruling, the Allahabad High Court emphasized that live-in partners, regardless of their marital status, are subject to the regulations outlined in the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. This includes couples who have chosen Arya Samaj rituals for their union and consider themselves as live-in partners, who must adhere to the formal registration process.
The case involved a 24-year-old Muslim woman and a 23-year-old Hindu man who petitioned for the protection of their rights and freedoms, particularly concerning their pending application for marriage registration. Notably, there were no complaints from either party's family regarding their relationship, as pointed out by Justice Renu Agarwal.
However, despite the absence of familial objections, the High Court declined the plea for protection due to the couple's non-compliance with the anti-conversion legislation. The state also contested the petition, highlighting that the couple had not pursued religious conversion and arguing that according to the Hindu Marriage Act, a Muslim woman couldn't marry a Hindu man through Arya Samaj rituals.
The court underscored that under the anti-conversion law, it's mandatory to seek religious conversion not only in cases of interfaith marriage but also in relationships resembling marriage. Therefore, safeguarding the petitioners' relationship would run counter to the statutory provisions established by the legislature.
In essence, the Allahabad High Court's ruling underscores the importance of abiding by legal frameworks, particularly concerning relationships and religious conversions, irrespective of the nature of the union.
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