KALABURAGI: The Kalaburagi bench of the Karnataka High Court has reprimanded a school teacher who was attempting to evade responsibility for his wife and daughter. The court ruled that a DNA test is decisive in resolving paternity disputes, especially when a man claims that the woman is not his wife and the child is not his daughter.

Case Details:

The legal battle centers around Chidanand, a school teacher from Devara Hipparagi in Sindagi Taluk, Vijayapura district. A local court had previously upheld a petition filed by a woman seeking maintenance for herself and her child, ordering Chidanand to pay ₹5,000 per month.

Chidanand challenged this order in the District Court, arguing, "This woman is not my wife, and I have no relation to this child." To ascertain the truth, the District Court ordered a DNA test. Chidanand then moved the High Court, challenging the legality of this DNA test order.

Key Observations by the High Court:

A single-judge bench headed by Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum dismissed Chidanand’s petition and emphasized the following points:

* Cannot Shut the Eyes to Truth: When doubts arise regarding paternity and scientific evidence like DNA profiling is available, the court cannot be forced to shut its eyes to the truth.

* Court Has the Authority: Under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the court holds full authority to order a DNA test when marriage or paternity is questioned.

* Decisive Evidence: When fundamental issues like marriage and paternity are in dispute, a DNA test resolves the matter conclusively and scientifically. The court clarified that such an order is not biased or prejudicial.

Background and Legal Path:

On July 10, 2025, the 4th Additional District and Sessions Court of Vijayapura had directed Chidanand to undergo a DNA test. The High Court summarily rejected the teacher's argument that the District Court lacked the power to issue such a direction during revision proceedings.

The Impact: Following the High Court's order, Chidanand must now undergo the DNA test. If paternity is proven, he will not only be required to pay maintenance but could also face legal consequences for presenting false arguments before the court.