In a setback to veteran Congress leader N. D. Tiwari in the three—year old paternity battle, the Delhi High Court today directed him to undergo a DNA test on a suit filed by a young man claiming to be his biological son.
“The wider interest of a child of not being declared a bastard has to be kept in mind,” Justice S Ravindra Bhat said, while rejecting the contention of 85—year—old Tiwari that he cannot be forced to undergo DNA test.
“The court is of the opinion that there is imminent need to give blood sample (by Tiwari) to verify paternity of a young man claiming to be his son,” the Judge said.
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Mr. Tiwari, who has held the posts of Chief Minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh and later Uttarakhand, had opposed the paternity suit filed by 31—year—old Rohit Shekhar claiming to be the biological son born out of a relationship between his mother Ujjwala Sharma and the leader.
Mr. Tiwari, who last year resigned as Governor in the midst of allegations of sexual misconduct, had countered the allegations claiming that he never had any physical relationship with Ujjwala, who is also a Congress activist, and Rohit was not entitled to seek a DNA test as a matter of right.
However, the court said it is the right of a child to know his or her biological father and there is a need for a conclusive finding to establish the paternity of a child through scientific test.
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The court also took into consideration the facts that Rohit’s foster—father B P Sharma had voluntarily undergone DNA test and it was found that Rohit is not his biological son.
Rohit and his mother Ujjwala Sharma, who were present in the jam—packed courtroom, described the court’s verdict as “victory of their fight“.
“Everything (regarding paternity) would become clear after Tiwari undergoes DNA test,” Rohit said.
He also wished Mr. Tiwari, who is not keeping well at present, good health saying, “Get well soon“.
“My son has always been eager to know the name of his biological father. This verdict has given an answer to my son,” Ms. Ujjwala said, expressing her happiness over the court’s judgement.
Mr. Tiwari, Rohit and his mother Ujjwala were directed by the court to appear before the Joint Registrar for completing the formalities regarding the medical test.
Mr. Tiwari had vehemently opposed the plea of the petitioner and submitted that he could not be forced to undergo the DNA test.