Abstract
This study looks at how family law affects cohabitation and domestic partnerships in India. Religious ideas have traditionally dominated Indian family law, creating a complicated legal environment for non-traditional couples. The traditional and standards of marriage and family structures are under threat due to the rise in domestic partnerships and cohabitation. This study examines the protection and legal recognition that domestic partners and cohabiting couples get, with an emphasis on recent legislative and judicial developments. It also looks at how these legislative changes may affect children’s rights and gender equality on a social and cultural level. The results point to a progressive change in family laws to make them more inclusive, but there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome. The report ends with suggestions for additional legal changes to better accommodate the changing dynamics of cohabitation and domestic partnerships in India.
Keywords: Family law, Domestic partnerships, Cohabitation