Live-In Couples Can Face Legal Housing Discrimination in India Despite SC Recognition

Unmarried couples in India frequently struggle to secure rental housing as many landlords and housing societies cite traditional social values to refuse tenancy. While the Supreme Court has recognized live-in relationships between consenting adults as legally valid, no nationwide law explicitly prohibits landlords from discriminating on this basis. This legal gap allows personal and cultural biases to influence rental decisions without formal consequence. To protect their interests, live-in couples are advised to draft written rental agreements and maintain detailed records of all payments made.