By Shazia Siddiqui

A recent ruling by the Allahabad High Court addressed a complex legal dispute involving a father’s attempt to contest paternity using a private DNA test of his daughter. The case unfolded as the father sought to avoid financial obligations to his wife, alleging her infidelity based on the test results. The court’s decision underscored the importance of prioritizing a child’s welfare in legal proceedings fraught with parental conflict.

The petitioner, Dr. Ifraq Mohammad Ifraq Husain, argued that his wife’s alleged extramarital affair justified his refusal to pay maintenance. He presented a private DNA test indicating that he was not the biological father of their daughter, advocating for a court-ordered fresh DNA test under judicial supervision to validate his claims. In contrast, the respondents, represented by his wife and her legal counsel, contested the reliability of the secretive DNA test. They relied on the legal presumption of a child’s legitimacy under Section 112 of the Evidence Act, emphasizing Dr. Ifraq’s failure to establish non-access during their marriage—a necessary condition to contest paternity.

The court dismissed Dr. Ifraq’s plea for a new DNA test, criticizing the clandestine nature of the initial test as unreliable and detrimental to the child’s best interests. Upholding the maintenance order, the court highlighted the legal presumption of a child’s legitimacy unless compelling evidence like non-access is presented to challenge it. The ruling cautioned against baseless challenges to paternity, stressing the potential harm to a child’s identity and rights.

The court’s decision aligned with the Supreme Court’s guidance in similar cases, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence before resorting to invasive procedures like DNA tests. The judgement concluded that Dr. Ifraq’s allegations lacked merit and appeared motivated by a desire to evade financial responsibilities rather than seek justice. Consequently, the plea for a fresh DNA test was denied, reaffirming Dr. Ifraq’s obligations to provide maintenance to his wife and children.

This case highlights the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare in contentious legal disputes, ensuring that their best interests are paramount amidst parental conflicts.

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