Whether in a declaratory suit where ownership over coparcenary property is claimed, the plaintiff, against his wishes and closing his evidence, can be subjected to the DNA test ?
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
Ashok Kumar Vs Raj Gupta & Ors.
Civil Appeal 6153–2021
Hon’ble Judges : Hon’ble Mr. Justice R. Subhash Reddy & Hon’ble Mr.Justice Hrishikesh Roy
Decided on : 01–10–2021
2021–JX(SC)–0–594
Can refusal to undergo DNA test, be considered as adverse ?
HELD :
Yes, In circumstances where other evidence is available to prove or
dispute the relationship, the court should ordinarily refrain from
ordering blood tests. This is because such tests impinge upon the
right of privacy of an individual and could also have major societal
repercussions. Indian law leans towards legitimacy and frowns upon
bastardy.
The presumption in law of legitimacy of a child cannot be lightly
repelled. It was also the view of the Court that normal rule of
evidence is that the burden is on the party that asserts the positive.
But in instances where that are challenged, the burden is shifted to
the party, that pleads the negative.
Keeping in mind the issue of burden of proof, it would be safe to
conclude that in a case like the present, the Court’s decision should
be rendered only after balancing the interests of the parties, i.e, the
quest for truth, and the social and cultural implications involved
therein. The possibility of stigmatizing a person as a bastard, the
ignominy that attaches to an adult who, in the mature years of his life
is shown to be not the biological son of his parents may not only be a
heavy cross to bear but would also intrude upon his right of privacy.
In such kind of litigation where the interest will have to be balanced
and the test of eminent need is not satisfied. Our considered opinion
is that the protection of the right to privacy of the Plaintiff should get
precedence.
The respondent cannot compel the plaintiff to adduce further evidence in support of the defendant’s case. In any case, it is the burden on a litigating party to prove his case adducing evidence in
support of his plea and the court should not compel the party to prove his case in the manner, suggested by the contesting party.
Having answered these questions, additional issue to be resolved is whether refusal to undergo DNA Testing amounts to ‘other evidence’ or in other words, can an adverse inference be drawn in such situation. In Sharda vs. Dharmpal [6 2003(4) SCC 493] a three judges bench in the opinion written by Justice S.B. Sinha rightly observed in paragraph 79 that ”if despite an order passed by the court, a person refuses to submit himself to such medical examination, a strong case for drawing an adverse inference” can be made out against the person within the ambit of Section 114 of the Evidence Act.
The plaintiff here has adduced his documentary evidence and is disinclined to produce further evidence. He is conscious of the adverse consequences of his refusal but is standing firm in refusing to undergo the DNA Test. His suit eventually will be decided on the nature and quality of the evidence adduced. The issue of drawing adverse inference may also arise based on the refusal. The Court is to weigh both side’s evidence with all attendant circumstances and then reach a verdict in the Suit and this is not the kind of case where a DNA test of the plaintiff is without exception.
