The trend of extramarital affairs is gaining momentum in India, with recent data pointing to a significant increase. The most surprising element of the data is which city tops the list – Kanchipuram, a city in Tamil Nadu, rather than the expected Delhi or Mumbai. In the previous year, Mumbai was at the top, but now it is not even in the top 20. Delhi has a strong presence, with numerous areas in the Delhi-NCR region making the list.
According to a report released by Ashley Madison, Kanchipuram has made a dramatic jump from 17th in 2024 to first in 2025. The city now boasts the largest number of users signing up for extramarital dating platforms within India.
Following the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling, consensual extramarital relationships are not a crime, although they can be considered grounds for divorce.
Paul Keable, Chief Strategy Officer at Ashley Madison, notes a shift in India. Extramarital affairs are becoming more open, reflecting a change in societal attitudes towards relationships. He states that these relationships often fulfill an emotional need, though they have significant consequences for all involved, including any children.