{"id":17273,"date":"2026-03-18T07:27:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T07:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=17273"},"modified":"2026-03-18T07:34:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T07:34:32","slug":"dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/","title":{"rendered":"DNA Testing and Its Role in Today\u2019s Legal System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s time, science is developing very fast and the law is also changing according to it. One of the most important developments is DNA testing. DNA testing in the Indian legal system has become a strong and reliable method to find the truth. Earlier, courts mainly depended on witness statements and legal presumptions, but now scientific evidence like DNA testing helps courts give more accurate and fair decisions.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#What_is_DNA_Testing\" >What is DNA Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Legal_Position_Under_Bhartiya_Sakshya_Adhiniyam_2023\" >Legal Position Under Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Section_116_Deals_with_Presumption_of_Legitimacy\" >Section 116 Deals with Presumption of Legitimacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Exception_No_Access_Rule\" >Exception: No Access Rule<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Conflict_between_Law_and_Science\" >Conflict between Law and Science<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Important_Case_Laws\" >Important Case Laws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Role_in_Criminal_Law\" >Role in Criminal Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Issues_and_Concerns\" >Issues and Concerns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dna-testing-and-its-role-in-todays-legal-system\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-dna-testing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_DNA_Testing\"><\/span>What is DNA Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DNA testing is a method used to identify a person through biological samples like blood, hair, or saliva. Every person has a unique DNA, so it becomes a very strong form of evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is commonly used in paternity disputes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criminal cases like rape and murder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identifying missing or dead persons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-position-bhartiya-sakshya-adhiniyam-2023\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Position_Under_Bhartiya_Sakshya_Adhiniyam_2023\"><\/span>Legal Position Under Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-116-presumption\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_116_Deals_with_Presumption_of_Legitimacy\"><\/span>Section 116 Deals with Presumption of Legitimacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It states that if a child is born during a valid marriage, it is conclusively presumed that the husband is the biological father of the child. Conclusive proof means the court will accept this fact as final and it cannot be easily challenged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exception-no-access\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exception_No_Access_Rule\"><\/span>Exception: No Access Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The only exception is when it is proved that there was no access between the husband and wife at the time when the child could have been conceived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conflict-law-science\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_between_Law_and_Science\"><\/span>Conflict between Law and Science<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A major issue arises when there is a conflict between legal presumption and scientific evidence. The law may presume that the husband is the father, but DNA testing may show otherwise. This creates confusion for courts about whether they should follow the legal rule or the scientific truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"important-case-laws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Case_Laws\"><\/span>Important Case Laws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Case Name<\/th><th>Year<\/th><th>Key Principle<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Gautam Kundu v. State of West Bengal<\/td><td>1993<\/td><td>DNA or blood tests should not be ordered easily to protect dignity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sharda v. Dharmpal<\/td><td>2003<\/td><td>Court has power to order medical examination including DNA tests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kamti Devi v. Poshi Ram<\/td><td>2001<\/td><td>Legal presumption is strong and cannot be easily displaced by DNA evidence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nandlal Wasudeo Badwaik v. Lata Nandlal Badwaik<\/td><td>2014<\/td><td>Scientific truth should prevail in case of conflict<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"role-criminal-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_in_Criminal_Law\"><\/span>Role in Criminal Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DNA testing also plays an important role in criminal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the police have the power to conduct medical examination and collect samples from the accused for investigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, DNA evidence helps in proving serious offences like rape, murder, and assault by linking the accused with the crime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issues-concerns\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issues_and_Concerns\"><\/span>Issues and Concerns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though DNA testing is very useful, it also raises some concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It may affect the right to privacy because it involves taking personal biological samples.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can also impact the dignity and social status of the child and family in paternity disputes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is also a possibility of misuse of such tests for personal reasons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, courts must be very careful while allowing DNA testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, DNA testing has become an important part of the modern legal system. It helps courts in finding the truth and delivering justice more effectively. However, it must be used carefully by maintaining a balance between legal rules, scientific developments, and social values.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This post is about relevance of DNA testing in deciding paternity and other issues<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1269,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,87],"tags":[4798,921,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-17273","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-criminal-law","7":"category-medico-legal","8":"tag-criminal-law","9":"tag-medico-legal","10":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1269"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17273\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}