No ring, still rights: Man ordered to pay maintenance to ex-live-in partner

In a landmark ruling, a Mumbai magistrate’s court has ordered a man to pay Rs 5,000 per month in maintenance to his former live-in partner and her son from a previous marriage, reinforcing that marriage isn't a must for protection under the Domestic Violence Act (DV Act), reported TOI.

Judicial Magistrate (First Class) A.D. Ghuge held that a live-in relationship that mirrors the emotional and physical dynamics of a marriage qualifies for relief under the DV Act. “Cohabiting under the same roof in a relationship akin to marriage is sufficient to claim relief,” the court stated, underlining that the law recognises the substance of the relationship over its formal status.

According to TOI, the woman had approached the court in 2024, alleging the man lured her into a physical relationship under a false promise of marriage. When she pressed him on formalising the relationship, he allegedly backed out and moved out, leaving her and her son financially and emotionally stranded. She also accused him of repeated abuse during the course of their relationship.


While she sought Rs 55,000 a month in maintenance, citing the man’s alleged income of Rs 1–1.5 lakh, the court found the demand excessive and settled on Rs 5,000 monthly.

Importantly, the magistrate clarified that even filing a rape complaint against a live-in partner does not invalidate a woman’s right to seek protection or financial support under the DV Act. The primary condition is the existence of a relationship that mirrors marriage, regardless of legal labels.

This ruling adds momentum to evolving legal interpretations around live-in relationships, offering recourse to those who fall through traditional legal cracks — no vows, no rings, but still rights.

(With inputs from TOI)