RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat questions live-in relations, says ‘fulfilling mere needs only seen among animals’

DEHRADUN: Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Sunday questioned the practice of live-in relationships while speaking at a programme organised by the Uttarakhand RSS unit as part of its centenary year celebrations.

On the issue of whether live-in relationships should be permitted in the state, Bhagwat said, "Marriage represents responsibility -- not just between partners, but also towards families and society." His comments hold significance in the context of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which had last year introduced provisions regulating live-in relationships through mandatory registration.

Describing society as built on families and households grounded in values, culture, and economic activity, Bhagwat said, "When a marriage takes place, two individuals take responsibility for each other's lives. Two families come together and accept the duty of fulfilling their responsibilities towards both their families and society."

The RSS chief said people must accept a "natural responsibility" towards children. "If one does not wish to take responsibility, one may choose the path of renunciation. But marriage means accepting responsibility. Fulfilling mere needs without responsibility is seen among animals because they do not take responsibility, whereas humans, being the most intelligent beings and proud of being the foremost creation, must shoulder responsibility. If one wishes to remain human, one must accept responsibility. One should keep this in mind, then such questions will not arise," he said.

On the UCC, Bhagwat clarified that the "RSS is not in favour of uniformity for its own sake". "The aim is not to bring uniformity. It is not that without UCC, nothing can function. Our country believes in unity in diversity," he said. However, he added that "a civil law applicable to all could help strengthen integration if brought through proper consultation".

Referring to the scope of the UCC, Bhagwat said, "It addresses four aspects -- marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption -- and provides space for customary law." In the context of Uttarakhand's UCC law, he said that more than three lakh suggestions were received during consultations, discussions were held and views were considered before implementation. He said "such a process would prove to be a strong step towards national integration".

Bhagwat further said that the RSS does not seek political power but aims to organise Hindu society, promote cultural unity and foster character-building. "Sangh's objective is to develop individuals, because only strong individuals can build a strong society and nation," he said.

On the role of women in governance, Bhagwat said,"Their participation in the governance of the country should not be limited to 33%, but to 50%."