​Yes, live-in partners can seek relief under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (DV Act), 2005, if their relationship qualifies as “in the nature of marriage.” This was affirmed in a recent Mumbai court ruling, where a magistrate ordered a man to pay ₹5,000 per month in maintenance to his estranged live-in partner and her child from a previous marriage. The court emphasized that a formal marriage is not necessary for a woman to be considered an “aggrieved person” under the DV Act; cohabitation in a relationship akin to marriage suffices .

The DV Act defines a “domestic relationship” as one where two individuals live or have lived together in a shared household, regardless of whether the relationship is based on marriage, blood, or a relationship in the nature of marriage . This broad definition ensures that women in live-in relationships are protected from domestic violence.

Notably, the Delhi High Court has also ruled that individuals cohabiting in a relationship “in the nature of marriage” qualify as being in a domestic relationship under the DV Act .​

Therefore, women in live-in relationships who face domestic violence have the legal right to seek protection and relief under the DV Act, including protection orders, maintenance, and residence orders.​

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