Allahabad High Court Criticizes Live-In Relationships While Granting Bail in POCSO Case

The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Shane Alam, accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and BNS for allegedly engaging in a physical relationship with a minor on the false promise of marriage. While granting bail, the bench of Justice Siddharth expressed strong disapproval of the increasing number of live-in relationship disputes, calling them contrary to middle-class Indian values.

The Court noted that while live-in relationships are not illegal, they often result in emotional harm—particularly to women. Justice Siddharth observed that: “These cases are coming to the Court because the concept of live-in-relationship is against the settled law in the Indian middle-class society. After the relationship ends, women face immense difficulty in getting married, while men easily move on.”

Despite its observations, the Court granted bail citing Shane Alam’s continued incarceration since February 25, 2025, absence of prior convictions, and overcrowded jails. The Court added that the allegations will be tested during the trial.


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Bail Granted: June 2025
Charges: Under POCSO Act and BNS for sexual relationship on false promise of marriage
Court’s View: Live-in relationships clash with societal values and disproportionately harm women