Que. Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.
निजता का अधिकार, प्राण तथा दैहिक स्वतंत्रता के आंतरिक भाग के रूप में, संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 के अन्तर्गत स्वाभाविक रूप से संरक्षित है। व्याख्या कीजिए। इस संदर्भ में एक गर्भस्थ शिशु के पितृत्व को सिद्ध करने के लिये डी.एन.ए. परीक्षण से सम्बन्धित विधि की चर्चा कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce the “right to privacy” as a fundamental right under “Article 21,” highlighting its significance in protecting personal liberty and dignity.
(ii) Main Body: Examine privacy under Article 21, legal frameworks on DNA testing for paternity, and ethical concerns in prenatal DNA testing.
(iii) Conclusion: Emphasize the need for balancing “privacy rights” with “justice” in DNA testing, aligning with constitutional principles.
Introduction
The “right to privacy,” integral to “life and personal liberty” under “Article 21,” safeguards individual autonomy and dignity, limiting state interference in personal matters, including sensitive areas like “DNA testing” for establishing paternity.
Right to Privacy Under Article 21
(i) Constitutional Foundation: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution recognizes “right to privacy” as fundamental to personal liberty, safeguarding autonomy in all private matters.
(ii) Puttaswamy Judgment’s Impact: The “Puttaswamy case (2017)” landmarked privacy as a core right, restricting state overreach and securing individuals’ private data, including DNA.
(iii) Bodily Autonomy and Informed Choice: Privacy covers “bodily autonomy,” allowing individuals to make informed decisions about personal matters, including DNA testing.
(iv) Necessity and Proportionality Principle: Any encroachment on privacy must meet judicial scrutiny, specifically under “necessity” and “proportionality,” especially with sensitive biological data.
(v) Data Protection and Privacy Safeguards: Privacy laws prevent unauthorized access to personal information, aligning “DNA testing” within secure constitutional limits.
Legal Framework on DNA Testing in Paternity Cases
(i) Judicial Limits on DNA Testing: Courts like in “Gautam Kundu v. State of West Bengal” mandate DNA testing sparingly, placing privacy above routine DNA evidence in paternity.
(ii) Regulations in Family and Evidence Acts: The “Family Courts Act” and “Indian Evidence Act” outline DNA evidence use, ensuring robust privacy protections during paternity disputes.
(iii) Court-Approved Prenatal Testing: Testing on a fetus for paternity requires “judicial approval” to protect both the mother’s autonomy and unborn child’s rights.
(iv) Testing as a Legal Last Resort: DNA testing is permitted only when no other evidence suffices, thus minimizing privacy infringements in “sensitive family cases.”
(v) Legal Protections for Personal Liberty: DNA testing laws are aligned with the constitutional “right to liberty,” ensuring tests respect privacy while achieving legal justice.
Ethical and Societal Implications of DNA Testing for Paternity
(i) Parental Rights and Privacy: DNA testing for paternity may intrude upon parents’ “rights and privacy,” especially affecting the dignity of the mother and unborn child.
(ii) Psychological Impact and Social Consequences: Prenatal DNA testing can lead to psychological distress and social stigma, impacting the family unit and individual welfare.
(iii) Balancing Public and Private Interests: DNA testing involves balancing public interest with individual privacy, protecting against unwarranted invasions in “family life.”
(iv) Maintaining Family Cohesion: Judicial restraint in ordering DNA testing ensures preservation of “family integrity” by minimizing unnecessary paternity disputes.
(v) Legislative and Ethical Guidelines: Ethical legislation on DNA testing is vital to ensure all procedures are in line with privacy and personal autonomy principles.
Conclusion
Balancing “privacy rights” under “Article 21” with the demands of justice in paternity cases ensures that “DNA testing” respects individual dignity and autonomy while adhering to constitutional safeguards against unwarranted intrusion into private life.
