DNA test cannot be allowed in every plea: Kerala HC

KOCHI: The High Court said that DNA testing cannot be ordered in all cases where there is a dispute about the child's paternity, and it can only be allowed if there are no other options. This was stated by Justice A Badaruddin while dismissing the plea filed by a man against the Paravur Family Court order denying permission for the child's DNA test. The Single Bench also stated that if the child's paternity cannot be determined based on the existing evidence and there are no other means of dispute resolution other than DNA testing, this can be allowed.

The petitioner got married in 2004 and had a child in 2006. He approached the court raising doubts about the child's paternity after he obtained a divorce from his wife stating mental problems. The family court rejected the petitioner's demand after the child's mother argued that such an allegation was made to avoid paying maintenance. This order was upheld by the High Court.