PolityJudiciary
News 2 of 23

SC Evolves DNA Test for Paternity: Last Resort After Puttaswamy's Privacy Mandate

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
21 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Goutam Kundu (1993)K.S. Puttaswamy (2017)Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023Article 21
Bodies:Supreme Court of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.SC held DNA tests cannot be routine; must be last resort after assessing necessity and proportionality.

2.Burden of proof under Indian Evidence Act 1872 and BSA 2023 lies on the party denying paternity.

3.Post-Puttaswamy (2017), right to privacy (including genetic data) is a fundamental right under Article 21, constraining compelled DNA testing.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Supreme Court has refined its stance on DNA testing for paternity disputes, now requiring courts to apply a necessity and proportionality test post-Puttaswamy. DNA tests can only be ordered as a last resort when no other evidence can resolve the dispute, balancing the pursuit of truth with the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Landmark Case (DNA as routine)Goutam Kundu (1993)
Right to Privacy CaseK.S. Puttaswamy (2017)
Current Law on EvidenceBharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023
Key PrincipleDNA test only when paternity directly in issue and no other evidence available

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Landmark Case (DNA as routine): Goutam Kundu (1993)
  • ›Right to Privacy Case: K.S. Puttaswamy (2017)
  • ›Target this Data: Goutam Kundu (1993) - first case on DNA evidence; K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) - right to privacy as fundamental right.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Supreme Court of India (judicial body).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 21 - right to privacy including genetic data; threefold test of legality, legitimate aims, proportionality.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which Act replaced the Indian Evidence Act 1872 as mentioned in the article?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding DNA evidence in paternity cases:

1. In Goutam Kundu (1993), the Supreme Court held that DNA tests can be ordered as a matter of routine.

2. The burden of proof under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 is on the party denying paternity.

3. In CP vs AP (2026), the Court upheld a DNA test because the paternity question could not be resolved by existing evidence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

In which year did the Supreme Court declare the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

Why did the Supreme Court in CP vs AP (2026) order a DNA test for paternity?

All 15 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Science & Tech Current Affairs

Meta Smart Glasses at ₹25,000 Expose Privacy Law Gaps Under DPDPA 2023

Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, priced at ₹25,000, enable discreet recording, raising serious privacy concerns. The article highlights how India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 fails to regulate non-consensual recording in public spaces, despite the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21. Examines the need for updated laws to address surveillance tech.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Upholds EC's SIR, Citizenship Under MHA; 13 Crore Deletions, Aadhaar Alternative Proposed

The Supreme Court upheld the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which deleted over 13 crore names, but clarified that citizenship determination is solely under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This raises critical debates on voter rights, due process, and the viability of Aadhaar-based verification as a cost-effective, inclusive alternative to house-to-house surveys.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geo-Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit; SC Invokes Article 142 to Quash CJP Protest Cases

A day of high exam relevance: ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated geo-imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, breaking a failure streak. The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to close cases linked to CJP protests, raising important constitutional questions. Other key updates include OpenAI’s new autonomous AI model, Manipur’s NRC-first demand for Census deferral, mistrust in GDP data, and Tata Chemicals’ Kenya dispute.

Polity Current Affairs

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan Scheme; Rajya Sabha Clears Rs 54,067 Cr Appropriation Bill

The UPSC Key article covers multiple critical topics: the Rajya Sabha cleared the Appropriation Bill for Rs 54,067 Cr excess expenditure, the Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan scheme to boost CBG production, and new high-resolution images of the Sun's surface were captured. Also includes data on road safety Good Samaritans, school consolidation, and ethanol policy.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Landmark Judgments: From Basic Structure to Privacy - 80 Years of Rights & Freedoms

A compilation of landmark Supreme Court judgments from 1973 to 2019 that shaped fundamental rights, gender equality, privacy, and democracy in India. Essential for understanding constitutional evolution and judicial activism.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.

Polity Current Affairs

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

Polity Current Affairs

SC's 76-Year Journey: Reforms at Magistracy Level Needed for Judicial Overhaul

A former Delhi High Court judge critiques the Indian judiciary's performance over 76 years, highlighting issues like eviction of poor without rehabilitation, failure to curb extra-legal punishments, and delay in upholding progressive judgments. The article argues that meaningful judicial reform must begin at the magisterial level, focusing on mentoring, mental health support, and performance evaluation reforms.

Just truths: On DNA evidence and…, Current Affairs for Exams