ISSUE:
Whether the DNA test results could rebut the statutory presumption of legitimacy under Section 112 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872?
Whether the appellant could be absolved of the liability to pay maintenance for a child scientifically proven not to be his biological offspring?
To what extent modern scientific evidence, such as DNA testing, should override the conclusive presumption of legitimacy established under law?
RULE:
Section 112 of the Indian Evidence Act provides a conclusive presumption of legitimacy for a child born during the subsistence of a valid marriage, which can only be rebutted if it is proven that the husband had no access to the wife during the period of conception.
DNA test results, being scientifically accurate, can serve as credible evidence to rebut the presumption of legitimacy under Section 112 if they conclusively establish the absence of biological paternity.
When there is a conflict between legal presumptions and scientifically proven facts, scientific truth prevails in the interest of justice.