NEW DELHI: In a major blow to veteran Congressman and ousted Andhra Pradesh Governor N D Tiwari, the Delhi High Court on Friday ordered him to provide his blood sample for DNA test in a paternity suit filed by a man claiming to be Tiwari’s biological son.
Most importantly, the court said the authorities could seek the help of the police to ensure that the veteran leader complied with its order. Until now, the octogenarian, who is a former Union Minister and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, had refused to do so.
Thirty-two-year-old Rohit Sekhar had filed the paternity suit against Tiwari.
The HC Bench of Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw through its order also overturned the September 23 ruling by Justice Gita Mittal, that Tiwari could not be compelled to give his blood samples. “Adverse inference cannot be a substitute for the enforceability of a court direction for DNA test. Adverse inference from non-compliance cannot be a substitute for the enforceability of a direction for DNA testing.” the Bench said.