Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) The Delhi High Court was Thursday informed that veteran Congress leader N.D. Tiwari has refused to give his blood sample for a DNA test in a paternity suit filed by a 31-year-old man claiming to be his biological son.

Tiwari’s personal affidavit was placed before Justice Gita Mittal, stating that he will not give his blood sample for the DNA test.

Going through the affidavit, the court asked 87-year-old Tiwari’s counsel: “Don’t you think that DNA test will vindicate completely your stand that you have not sired the plaintiff?”

“I have an unblemished public career which justifies me to contest against the plaintiff who is bent upon to tarish my public image by bringing false cause and even unwarranted contempt petition so as to get undue publicity in print as well as electronic media,” said Tiwari’s affidavit.

“In order to preserve, protect and defend my personal dignity attained by my long cherished service to the nation as well as society, I being a senior citizen too, I am not willing to give my blood sample for DNA testing. Hence, I may not be compelled to do so,” the affidavit said.

Last week, the leader was slammed by the court for his affidavit which contended that no person could be compelled to give a blood sample for DNA test.

The paternity suit against the Congress leader was filed by 31-year-old Rohit Shekhar, who claims to be the politician’s biological son.

“I am active in politics for the last 70 years. Besides, I never suffered any allegation of any financial, moral, social and communal corruption in my public life,” said Tiwari in his affidavit.

The court said: “If you are so confident and upright in public life and that you are a law graduate, then you should know that it is not a matter of Article 20 of Constitution.”

Slamming Tiwari’s counsel, the court said: “You (Tiwari) state categorically that you refuse to come, then I will deal with it.”

The court adjourned the matter till July 28, after Tiwari’s counsel sought an adjournment on the ground that he was not well.

Shekhar’s counsel said: “The present ‘personal reply’ of Tiwari is an abuse of the courts of law. He should be taken into custody and blood sample be taken.”

Tiwari’s counsel requested the court to provide another set of photographs allegedly featuring him. “I only have a photocopy of the photograph,” said counsel for Tiwari.

“You are utilising the shield of being a senior politician and freedom fighter and you are denying the photographs on record. There are photos of national leaders in it, if needed the court may also call them to the witness box,” said the court earlier.

Tiwari’s five-decade political career virtually ended in 2009 after a news channel showed explicit clippings of an elderly man purported to be him with three young women in bed when he was Andhra Pradesh governor. A few days later, Tiwari resigned on health grounds.