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Supreme Court: DNA Proof Overrides Paternity Presumption
23 Apr
Summary
- DNA test disproved paternity, denying maintenance claims.
- Court ensures Delhi govt monitors child's well-being.
- Legal presumption of paternity yields to scientific evidence.
The Supreme Court has ruled that conclusive DNA evidence disproving paternity must take precedence over legal presumptions of legitimacy. In a significant case, the court upheld the denial of maintenance to a child after a DNA test, accepted by all parties, established the alleged father was not the biological parent.
Despite the legal outcome, the bench expressed concern for the child's welfare. It directed the Delhi government's women and child development department to deploy an officer. This officer will assess the child's living conditions, including education, nutrition, and health.
If deficiencies are found, the state is mandated to intervene and provide remedial measures. This ensures the child's basic needs are met, even though the legal claim for maintenance from the alleged father was dismissed based on scientific evidence.
