Haryana State Women’s Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of live-in relationships in the state, linking them to a sharp rise in divorce and family breakdown cases. During her visit to Kaithal, Bhatia stated that approximately 60% of such cases reported to the commission in the last three years were rooted in live-in arrangements.

"Live-ins fueling social unrest": Bhatia’s assessment

While inspecting the district jail and interacting with women inmates, Bhatia observed that many were convicted under IPC Section 302 (murder), with a majority of these crimes committed alongside their lovers. Most of the women involved fall in the 25–45 age group. “This points to a deeper societal issue,” she remarked.

Bhatia urged society to discourage live-in relationships, claiming that these partnerships often lead to serious crimes. “They exist outside the legal bond of marriage and blur the line between commitment and companionship. Most conflicts in such arrangements can escalate into major crimes,” she said.

Family dynamics also under lens

Apart from live-in relationships, Bhatia pointed to another rising factor in marital disputes — imbalanced relationships with in-laws. “If both spouses treat each other's parents with equal respect and love, many domestic tensions can be avoided,” she advised.

Action taken during Kaithal visit

While in Kaithal, Bhatia reviewed 12 cases related to crimes against women. Four of them were resolved on the spot. In the remaining cases, some were pending in court or under investigation. She issued summons in three cases and ordered strong action in two high-profile cases — one involving an NRI accused of marriage fraud, and another against an ITBP sub-inspector accused of multiple marriages.