In a significant ruling, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has emphasized that individuals adhering to the Islamic faith do not possess the right to engage in a live-in relationship while their spouse is alive. The court underscored that Islamic doctrine prohibits a Muslim from cohabiting with another woman while their marital union remains intact.

The bench, comprising Justice AR Masoodi and Justice Ajay Kumar Srivastava, issued this order.

During the hearing of the petition filed by Hindu girl Sneha Devi and married Muslim man Muhammad Shadab Khan, seeking the quashing of the FIR registered in this case and termination of their live-in relationship while also requesting security during their stay,.

In its ruling, the court rejected the petition, asserting that customs and traditions hold equal weight as sources of law, and Article 21 of the Constitution does not acknowledge the right to a relationship constrained by customs and traditions. Accordingly, the court directed the police to facilitate the return of Sneha Devi to her parents.

The petitioners said that they are adults and are living in a live-in relationship of their own free will, yet the girl's brother has lodged an FIR at Visheshwarganj police station in Bahraich alleging kidnapping.

In the petition, this FIR was challenged and a demand was also made to order that the peaceful life of the petitioners should not be interfered with.