Recently, a two-judge bench of Delhi High Court pronounced split verdict on criminalising marital rape, leaving the law unchanged. Justice MS Ramesh also directed the authorities in Coimbatore city to de-seal a service apartment complex which had been sealed earlier after an unmarried couple was found staying together. It also made it clear that a live-in relationship between two adults cannot be deemed to be an offence. The judiciary in the recent years have passed several significant judgments promoting equality before the law and promoting individual freedom: Unmarried couple staying in a hotel Not illegalĪn unmarried couple staying together in a hotel is neither illegal nor a criminal offence, the Madras High Court stated in 2019. The Supreme Court in its order stated “voluntary sec work is not illegal”.
“It need not be gainsaid that notwithstanding the profession, every individual in this country has a right to a dignified life under Article 21 of the Constitution,” the court observed. The apex court recognised sex workers as a “profession” and added that the sex workers are entitled to dignity and equal protection under the law.
In a significant order this week, the Supreme Court directed that police should neither interfere nor take criminal action against adult and consenting sex workers.