Conjugal rights mean the legal right of each spouse to expect companionship, cohabitation (living together), and a marital relationship from the other. This includes emotional support, intimacy, and staying together as husband and wife. It is based on the idea that marriage creates mutual obligations.
If one spouse refuses to live with the other without a justified reason, it may amount to a breach of conjugal rights. In such cases, the affected spouse can legally approach the court seeking restitution of conjugal rights under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (or similar provisions under other personal laws). These rights are not only limited to physical presence but also include emotional companionship, shared responsibilities, sexual relations, and the moral duty to protect and care for each other as per the institution of marriage. However, enforcement is subject to the principles of dignity, free will, and bodily autonomy, and cannot be physically compelled.