Madras HC poser to Amrutha on DNA test for father

Justice Vaidyanathan who raised the question during the hearing, however, recorded the submission of the petitioner’s counsel V Prakash that through the present writ petition, Amrutha wanted to establish her relationship with Jayalalithaa, as her mother and posted the case for further hearing to January 5.

However, opining that the averment would be a matter of concern for the late Shoban Babu’s family, the judge ordered notice be sent to the State Government represented by its Chief Secretary as well as the Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation. He also ordered notice to Deepa Jayakumar and Deepak Jayakumar the niece and nephew of Jayalalithaa, respectively, who were impleaded as respondents in the case.

Also, observing that the acceptance of the plea regarding the DNA test would open up a Pandora’s box and lead to further deterioration of Jayalalithaa’s privacy, Justice Vaidyanathan said, “As pointed out by the Advocate General, this court cannot, as a manner of right orders DNA matching in this case, as the issue of maintainability of the writ petition is yet to be argued.”

The judge also allowed an impleading petition moved by one Joseph, opposing the averments of the petitioner. He held that the court was of the view that it was open to him to file the necessary petition and it was up to the petitioners to file respective statements, either objecting or supporting the averments in the impleading to be filed. Earlier, Advocate General Vijay Narayan appearing for the State submitted that the writ petition is not maintainable and that there cannot be a roving enquiry in this matter. He said the court cannot, as a manner of right, order DNA matching of Amrutha with that of the late Jayalalithaa.

Countering this, senior counsel Prakash claimed that Amrutha was Jayalalithaa’s daughter and to prove the same, DNA matching is necessary.