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The Maharashtra cabinet on October 8, 2008 has approved the proposal that a woman involved in a live-in relationship should get the status of a wife if she stays for a long period of time. This bold move is supposed to strengthen the legalization of live-in relationship in Maharashtra. The proposal was passed at the state cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Although many have appreciated the approval of the proposal, others opposed it saying that it will demolish the sanctity of marriage.
According to the proposal if a man and woman live together for a reasonably long period of time then both of them attain the status of married couples. The proposal is formed on basis of recommendations of Justice Mallimath Committee. The Committee also recommended the amendment of the definition of wife under Section 125 of the CrPc so that a woman in a live-in relationship can get the status of a wife. Meanwhile, report says that new regulation will be implemented after getting the assent of the President of India.
