New Delhi:
The Supreme Court today declined to stay a Delhi High Court order directing former Congress leader ND Tiwari to provide a DNA sample in a paternity suit that has stretched over several years.
Slamming Mr Tiwari's "contemptuous conduct" and stating it as the reason for rejecting his appeal, the court said today, "You were not present in various occasions (for the test). Enough is enough. We had assured you that the report will be in a sealed cover and gave you protection. You have spoilt all the options."
In its order against the 86-years-old on April 27, the High Court had said that police can intervene if necessary to collect the DNA sample.
Rohit Shekhar, who is in his 30s, claims to be Mr Tiwari's biological son. In earlier court hearings, he has produced dozens of photographs that show Mr Tiwari attending various family functions including Rohit's birthday celebrations.
Mr Tiwari has been fighting the paternity case vehemently, describing it as an attempt to malign him. He has argued that if Mr Shekhar wanted to prove a biological relationship, he should have filed his case when he turned 18. He has also argued that being forced to share a blood sample violates his right to privacy.
Mr Tiwari was forced to quit as Governor of Andhra Pradesh in December 2009 after local channels showed footage that purportedly showed him in a compromising position with three women.
Mr Tiwari was ordered first by the Delhi High Court in 2010 and then by the Supreme Court to share his blood sample. But in September last year, a judge at the Delhi High Court said that the politician "cannot be physically compelled or confined for submitting his blood sample for DNA profiling." But last week's developments over-rule that decision.