It’s not an unknown fact – we’ve heard and read plenty of horror stories about physical attacks on young couples by the self-proclaimed ‘moral police’ that claim to be maintaining decency and traditions by altering the ‘corrupt’ younger generation of ‘inappropriate’ behaviour. Whether it is couples being caught in hotels and charged with public indecency in Mumbai, girls blamed for being raped because they were talking to boys and wearing jeans, or the thrashing of a man and woman for “being too close” on a Kolkata Metro a few days ago, the culture Chachas and Chachis continue to curse the West for the upheaval of Indian morals and traditions.

On the other end of the spectrum, we find the Supreme Court’s ruling that “an adult couple has the right to live together without marriage,” as reported by Outlook India. Further, a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan held that live-in relationships have now also been recognised by the Legislature and found a place under the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

The statements came while the assertion that a 20-year-old Kerala woman, whose marriage was annulled by Kerala High Court, can choose to live with whomever she chooses.

The order is being lauded by many, albeit recognising the lack of meaning to neighbourhood societies and landlords that still deny housing in reality, but going through the comment section on such reports has made clear the divided reaction and reception of this news. While this is definitely a step towards granting the freedom of choice to individuals across the country, providing them with some sort of legal backing if the case arises, we still have a long way to go when it comes to the opening up of minds and understanding of Indian society.