# Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Revisionist v. State of U.P. & Anr

- **Citation:** (2026) 3 ILRA 685
- **Court:** High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
- **Decided:** 2026-03-17
- **Case number:** Criminal Revision No 1428 of 2025
- **Bench:** Madan Pal Singh
- **Source:** https://unisonlegal.in/judgment/allahabad-high-court/jawahir-lal-jaiswal-revisionist-v-state-of-u-p-anr-54794
- **Pages:** 8

## Text

3 All. Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Anr.
685
denied the same and claimed for trial. However, it is nowhere stated in the said order dated
03.01.2026 that any opportunity of hearing was provided to the accused persons on the question of
framing of charge or they were granted any opportunity to file an application for discharge. On the
same day i.e. the charges were framed against the revisionist and the co-accused. Even in order
sheet it is nowhere stated that any hearing was afforded to him before framing of charges.

18. In view of the foregoing discussion, the statutory provisions, and consideration of the
aforesaid judicial pronouncements on the subject, this Court is of the considered opinion that the
framing of charge in the present case stands vitiated due to non-compliance of the statutory
provisions contained in Sections 262 and 263 of the BNSS, as is evident from the order and
framing of charge dated 03.01.2026.

19. It is quite obvious that no opportunity of hearing was provided to the revisionist on the
question of framing of charge, the Section 262 and 263 Cr.P.C as well as earlier provision of
Sections 239 Cr.P.C, in this regard makes it mandatory to provide such an opportunity before
framing of charge.

20. Accordingly, I find merit in the present revision and the impugned order dated
03.01.2026 by which charges have been framed against the revisionist is hereby set aside, as being
vitiated due to non-compliance of the statutory provisions.

21. The matter is remanded to the trial court to proceed afresh in accordance with law. The
trial court shall provide an opportunity to the revisionist to move an application for discharge
within two weeks from the date of production of the certified copy of this order. Thereafter, after
providing an opportunity of hearing to both, the prosecution as well as the revisionist, the said
application shall be decided strictly in accordance with law by passing a reasoned and speaking
order. In case the trial court finds that charges are made out case against the accused, it shall
proceed to frame charges in accordance with law. 22. Accordingly, the revision stands allowed.
----------
(2026) 3 ILRA 685
REVISIONAL JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL SIDE
DATED: ALLAHABAD 17.03.2026

BEFORE

THE HON'BLE MADAN PAL SINGH, J.

Criminal Revision No 1428 of 2025

Jawahir Lal Jaiswal ...Revisionist
Versus
State of U.P. & Anr. ...Opposite Parties

Issue for Consideration
Matter pertains to whether, in proceedings u/s 125 Cr.P.C. for grant of maintenance to a minor child, the
Family Court was justified in awarding maintenance without first determining the disputed question of
686 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
paternity, particularly when the alleged father had specifically denied biological parentage and sought a DNA
test for adjudication of the issue.

Headnotes
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - ss.125, 128 - Maintenance to minor child - Disputed paternity
- DNA Test - Legality of - The instant criminal revision arose from proceedings instituted u/s 125
Cr.P.C. by opposite party no.2, a minor child, through her mother seeking maintenance from the
revisionist, Jawahir Lal Jaiswal, on the assertion that he was her biological father - The
revisionist, while admitting his marriage with Himani/Hirmani solemnized in the year 1994,
categorically denied the paternity of the child and contended that his wife had deserted the
matrimonial home in February, 2000 and thereafter cohabited with another person, from whose
alleged illicit relationship the child was born - It was further asserted that there existed material
inconsistencies regarding the dates of cohabitation, pregnancy, and birth of the child, coupled
with documentary material indicating the mother's subsequent relationship with Devanand @
Pachdev - In the maintenance proceedings, the revisionist sought a direction for DNA
examination to scientifically determine the parentage of opposite party no.2 - However, the
Family Court rejected such request and proceeded to award maintenance in favour of child -
Aggrieved thereby, the revisionist approached the High Court , challenging the legality of
maintenance order on the ground that the foundational issue of paternity had not been
conclusively adjudicated.
Held: The present case involves peculiar facts and circumstances in which a father i.e. revisionist has every
right to know whether he is biological father of opposite party no.2 or not - Similarly, a daughter i.e. opposite
party no.2 also has every right to know who is her biological father because if this is not known, it will
continue to trouble both of them throughout their lives and they will also not be able to lead their lives
properly in society - After getting the D.N.A. testing of revisionist and opposite party no.2 undertaken, the trial
court is directed to consider and decide Criminal Misc. Case No. 575 of 2019 u/s 125 Cr.P.C. afresh on merits,
in accordance with law, by means of a reasoned and speaking order, after affording an opportunity of hearing
to both parties, preferably within three months, without granting unnecessary adjournments to either of
parties, if there is no other legal impediment - Accordingly, the impugned set aside, thus, criminal revision
allowed. [Paras 22 to 25] (E-13)

Case Law Cited
R. Rajendran v. Kamar Nisha & Others reported in 2025 INSC 1304; Sachin Agarwal v. State of U.P. &
Another passed in Application u/s 482 Cr.P.C. No. 28298 of 2021 decided on 30th May, 2024 -
referred to

List of Acts
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1908.

List of Keywords
Criminal revision; s.125 Cr.P.C.; Revisional Jurisdiction; Maintenance allowance; Biological father; Paternity
dispute; DNA testing; Ascertainment of parentage; Family Court; Revisional jurisdiction; Adultery; Illicit
relationship; Certificate issued by Medical Officer; Conjectures and surmises; Medical examination;
Opportunity of hearing; Rights of child; Bodily autonomy; Privacy; Scientific evidence; Best interests of child;
Human rights; Criminal Revision allowed.

Case Arising From
REVISIONAL JURISDICTION: Criminal Revision No. - 1428 of 2025

From the Judgment and Order dated 01.03.2025 passed by the Principal Judge, Family Court, Sonbhadra in
Criminal Misc. Case No. 575 of 2019.
3 All. Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Anr.
687
Appearances for Parties
Advs. for the Revisionist(s):
Garima Kumari Jaiswal, Pratibha Jaiswal.

Advs. for the Opposite Party(s):
G.A., Saurabh Pandey.

(Delivered by Hon'ble Madan Pal Singh, J.)

1. Heard Ms. Pratibha Jaiswal, learned counsel for the revisionist, Mr. Saurabh Pandey,
learned counsel for opposite party no.2 and the learned A.G.A. for the State.

2. The present criminal revision has been preferred by the revisionist against the impugned
judgment and order dated 1st March, 2025 passed by the Principal Judge, Family Court, Sonbhadra
in Criminal Misc. Case No. 575 of 2019 (Khusbu Vs. Jawahir Lal Jaiswal) under Section 125
Cr.P.C., Police Station Pannuganj, District-Sonbhadra, whereby the trial court while allowing the
application of opposite party no.2 under Section 125 Cr.P.C. has directed the revisionist to pay Rs.
3,000/- per month to opposite party no.2 from the date of filing of instant application under Section
125 Cr.P.C. till the date of passing of the impugned judgment and Rs. 6,000/- per month from the
date of passing of the impugned judgment till the date of her marriage, towards monthly
maintenance allowance.

3. Learned counsel for the revisionist submits that it is admitted fact that marriage of the
revisionist has been solemnized with the mother of opposite party no.2, namely, Hirmani/Himani
on 23rd June, 1994 in accordance with the Hindu Rites and Rituals. Since mother of opposite party
no.2 i.e Himani/Hirmani was very beautiful and the revisionist was not handsome, so she did not
like him since her marriage and used to harass and insult him on every small matter.
Himani/Hirmani wanted to leave the revisionist and live with someone else, that is why she used to
fight with the revisionist on every small matter. In connection with the same, in February, 2000,
Himani/Hirmani i.e. mother of opposite party no.2 left the house of the revisionist without any
reason and was living with another person, namely, Devanand @ Pachdev. The revisionist had tried
best effort to take Himani/Hirmani back to his house but he did not get success. From illicit
relationship of Himani/Hirmani with Devanand @ Pachdev, opposite party no.2, namely, Khusbu
was born on 1st January, 2011. On 18th November, 2019, opposite party no.2 filed an application
under Section 125 Cr.P.C. through her mother Himani/Hirmani for claiming maintenance
allowance from the revisionist as he is her real father, which was registered as Case No. 575 of
2019. On 1st September, 2021 the revisionist filed his objection in the said case and
Himani/Hirmani also filed her statement of affidavit. Since Himani/Hirmani i.e. mother of opposite
party no.2 was never in a relationship with the revisionist after February, 2000, how could the
revisionist be the father of her child like opposite party no.2. As such, the revisionist moved an
application before the trial court for getting D.N.A. test of opposite party no.2 and himself
conducted for ascertaining the correct parentage of opposite party no.2. The said application was
rejected by the trial court vide order dated 1st February, 2025 against which the revisionist filed
Application U/S 528 BNSS No. 28087 of 2025 (Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Another),
which is still pending before the Hon'ble High Court.
688 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
4. Learned counsel for the revisionist then submits that when the mother of opposite party
no.2 after February, 2000 had never established physical relationship with the revisionist and she
has been in adultery with one Devanand @ Pachdev and from their illicit relationship, opposite
party no.2 was born, then under such circumstances, the opposite party no.2 is not entitled to get
any maintenance allowance from the revisionist, as he is not her biological father.

5. Lastly, learned counsel for the revisionist submits that since there is a very serious issue
as to who is the biological father of opposite party no.2 involved in the present criminal revision for
which D.N.A. test of opposite party no.2 and revisionist is very important factor. However, the trial
court only on the vague and general averments and on the basis of conjectures and surmises has
passed the judgment impugned awarding Rs. 3,000/- per month in favour of opposite party no.2
from the date of filing of instant application under Section 125 Cr.P.C. till the date of passing of the
impugned judgment and Rs. 6,000/- per month from the date of passing of the impugned judgment
till the date of her marriage, towards monthly maintenance allowance, which is per se illegal.

6. On the above premise, learned counsel for the revisionist submits that since the trial
court has passed the impugned judgment without application of mind and without any concrete
evidence on record, the same cannot legally sustained and is liable to be quashed.

7. On the other-hand learned counsel for opposite party no.2 and the learned A.G.A. have
opposed the present criminal revision by submitting that there is no illegality or infirmity in the
impugned judgment passed by the trial court so as to warrant any interference by this Court in
exercise of revisional jurisdiction.

8. On the above premise, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submits that since the trial
court has not committed any error in passing the impugned judgment and also the same is based on
concrete evidence, the present criminal revision is liable to be dismissed.

9. I have considered the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by
the learned counsel for the parties and perused record including the impugned judgment passed by
the trial court.

10. From the records some disturbing facts emerge, which are as under:

11. In the instant application filed by Himani/Hirmani on behalf of opposite party no.2
under Section 125 Cr.P.C., it has been stated that on 20th February, 2000, when her husband i.e.
revisionist and her in-laws had beaten her and thrown out from her matrimonial house and
thereafter on 22nd January, 2001, she moved an application for maintenance on which an order was
passed on 27th May, 2005 awarding Rs. 600/- per month in favour of Himani/Hirmani i.e. mother
of opposite party no.2. It has been further stated that when the revisionist did not comply with the
order dated 27th May, 2005, she filed an application under Section 128 Cr.P.C. On oral order
passed in the said proceedings, Himani/Hirmani went to her matrimonial house on 25th July, 2009
along with the revisionist. After staying at her matrimonial house only for a month, she went to her
parental house and she came to know on 12th January, 2010, the revisionist filed an application
before the trial court for her medical examination about her pregnancy.
3 All. Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Anr.
689
12. In the application under Section 125 Cr.P.C. filed by Himani/Hirmani on behalf of
opposite party no.2 it has again stated that on 15th January, 2010, she went to her matrimonial
house where she stayed for four months only and conceived pregnancy. In paragraph no.9,
Himani/Hirmani has stated that on 1st January, 2011, she delivered a female child in Primary
Health Centre, Tiyara Ramgadh, Sonbhadra and the said child was named as Khusbu (opposite
party no.2 herein).

13. Perusal of page no. 23 and 24 of the supplementary affidavit filed on behalf of the
revisionist dated 25th February, 2026, which is the order dated 19th March, 2014 indicates that an
application no. 25B had been moved by the revisionist before the Principal Judge, Family Court,
Sonbhadra, which was registered as Case No. 202 of 2013 stating therein that since on oral
instruction of Court dated 21st July, 2009 passed in proceedings under Section 128 Cr.P.C. by
Himani/Hirmani, on 25th July, 2009, Himani/Hirmani came to the house of the revisionist and after
staying for a few days, she told him that she was pregnant, hearing which the revisionist was
surprised and asked her to get herself medically examined because if she was not in a relationship
with him then how could she be pregnant, therefore, he prayed for get Himani/Hirmani medically
examined. The said application was rejected by the trial court vide order dated 19th March, 2014, a
copy of which has been enclosed as Annexure No. 6 to the supplementary affidavit filed on behalf
of the revisionist. In the said case, Himani/Hirmani claimed that on oral instruction of Court dated
21st July, 2009, she went to the house of revisionist in April, 2008 and when she became pregnant,
she was falsely accused and thrown out of the house, then she came back to her maternal place and
gave birth to a daughter in December, 2009.

14. Perusal of page no.19 of the said supplementary affidavit reflects that a Certificate has
been issued by Medical Officer, Primary Health Centre, Chatara, Sonbhadra certifying that
Himani/Hirmani wife of Jawahar delivered a baby at the Primary Health Center in Chatara on 20th
November, 2009. The name of the ANM who delivered the baby is Krishna Kanaujiya, entry of
which is at serial number 231 of J.S.Y. Register of 2009-2010. Similarly, page no. 21 of the
supplementary affidavit is a birth certificate dated 1st February, 2010 wherein birth date of Khusbu
(opposite party no.2 herein) daughter of Jawahar and Himani/Hirmani Devi has been mentioned as
20th November, 2009.

15. In paragraph no. 9 of the affidavit of the present criminal revision, it has been stated on
behalf of the revisionist that after leaving the house of the revisionist to be precise in February,
2000, Himani/Hirmani i.e. mother of opposite party no.2 had been living in adultery with
Devanand @ Pachdev and from their illicit relationship, the opposite party no.2 was born on 1st
January, 2011. Similarly, in affidavit of Application U/S 528 BNSS No. 28087 of 2025 (Jawahir
Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Another) filed by the revisionist before the Hon'ble High Court,
which is still pending consideration, the birth date of opposite party no.2 has been mentioned as
"1st January, 2011".

16. From deeper scrutiny of the aforesaid facts, this Court is fully unable to find out as to
when and how many times Himani/Hirmani i.e. mother of opposite party no.2 went to her husband
i.e. the revisionist's house after 2000, for how many days, she stayed with him, when she became
pregnant and when she gave birth to a child and who exactly is her biological father.
690 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
17. Perusal of page no. 28 of the supplementary affidavit transpires that a certificate has
been issued by Medical Officer, Delivery Centre, Robertsganj, Sonbhadra, wherein it has been
mentioned that Hirmani wife of Devenand @ Panchdev has delivered her second child on 12th
July, 2017 at 09:15 a.m. and entry of the same is at serial no. 186/584 of yearly registry.

18. When this Court made pointed query upon the learned counsel for the opposite party
no.2 whether it was true that Himani/Hirmani had given birth to a second child whose father was
Devanand @ Panchdev and also asked with whom Himani/Hirmani was living at present, he has
clearly stated that when the revisionist accused Himani/Hirmani of living with someone else due to
which opposite party no. 2 was born, since then i.e. after 2011,Himani/Hirmani left the revisionist
and was living with Devanand and the second child is theirs but the father of Hirmani/Himani's first
child is the revisionist.

19. From the aforesaid facts, this Court is of the prima facie opinion that there is substance
in the submission made by the learned counsel for the revisionist that the revisionist is not the
biological father. However, for ascertaining the correct fact as to who is the biological father of
opposite party no.2, D.N.A. test of revisionist and opposite party no.2 is required.

20. This Court has not dispute the judgment of the Apex Court in the case of R. Rajendran
VS. Kamar Nisha & Others reported in 2025 INSC 1304, wherein it has been opined by the Apex
Court that D.N.A. testing should not be warranted if paternity is a collateral issue and not directly
required to prove the primary allegations. Compelling DNA testing without such necessity amounts
to unwarranted intrusion violating privacy and bodily autonomy. In paragraph no. 29 of the said
case the Apex Court has framed certain guidelines for direction qua D.N.A. testing.

21. A Coordinate Bench of this Court in the case of Sachin Agarwal Vs. State of U.P. &
Another passed in Application U/S 482 Cr.P.C. No. 28298 of 2021 decided on 30th May, 2024
in paragraph nos. 15 to 22 has opined as follows:

 "15. For the pursuit of justice, the court must employ all available means to uncover the
truth and safeguard the rights of all individuals. The fundamental duty of the judiciary is to ensure
that justice prevails by utilizing the most accurate and reliable methods, thus upholding the
principles of fairness and equity for everyone involved. In the case of Nandlal Wasudeo Badwaik
Vs. Lata Nandlal Badwaik & Anr (2014) 2 SCC 576, the Hon'ble Supreme Court in para 17,
highlighted the reliability and scientific accuracy of DNA tests. The Court emphasized that while
Section 112 of the Evidence Act creates a presumption of conclusive proof under certain
conditions, this presumption is rebuttable. The Supreme Court asserted that in the interest of
justice, the truth must be ascertained using the best available science, stating :- "In our opinion,
when there is a conflict between a conclusive proof envisaged under law and a proof based on
scientific advancement accepted by the world community to be correct, the latter must prevail over
the former."

 16. In Jamshed Vs. State of U.P. [1976 Cri L J 1680 (All)], wherein it was held that a
blood sample can be compulsorily extracted during a "medical examinaton" conducted under
Section 53 Cr.P.C. At that time, the collection of blood samples was not expressly contemplated in
3 All. Jawahir Lal Jaiswal Vs. State of U.P. & Anr.
691
the said provision. Nevertheless, the Court had ruled that the phrase "examination of a person"
should be read liberally so as to include an examination of what is externally visible on a body as
well as the examination of an organ inside the body.

 17. In light of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's decision in Aparna Ajinkya Firodia v. Ajinkya
Arun Firodia 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 122, this court recognizes the significance and sensitivity
surrounding the order for a DNA test. It is imperative to acknowledge that while a DNA test is a
powerful tool in ascertaining biological relationships, its deployment must be carefully weighed
against potential misuse, the resultant social stigma, and the psychological impact on the children.
The court must be cautious to avoid directing such tests in a routine or casual manner, and instead
should assess the necessity based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

 18. The Supreme Court in the matter of Selvi Vs. State of Karnataka, 2010 (7) SCC 263
has categorically held that the civil court can direct for conducting medical examination to
ascertain mental state of a party of a divorce proceeding.

 19. Furthermore, the applicant's refusal to undergo the DNA test, a procedure deemed
essential for determining paternity and safeguarding the child's welfare, could warrant an adverse
inference under Section 114, Illustration (h) of the Indian Evidence Act. This provision allows the
court to infer that evidence which could be and is not produced would, if produced, be unfavorable
to the person withholding it. In Rohit Shekhar v. Narayan Dutt Tiwari 2011 SCC OnLine Delhi
4076, the Delhi High Court affirmed this principle, stating that refusal to undergo a DNA test in a
paternity dispute can lead to an adverse inference against the refusing party. Such an inference,
while not conclusive, strengthens the court's ability to arrive at a just decision based on the
available evidence and the best interests of the children.

 20. The psychological and social implications of unresolved paternity disputes cannot be
ignored. A definitive determination of paternity through a DNA test can provide closure and
stability for all parties involved, particularly the children. Ensuring that the children receive
rightful maintenance that not only fulfils their financial needs but also affirms their social and
legal status.

 21. In the present case, it is essential to consider the broader implications of directing a
DNA test. The court is mindful of the potential trauma and stigma that might affect the children,
should the paternity dispute be subjected to public scrutiny. The principle that the best interests of
the children should be of the paramount consideration in all matters concerning them, as enshrined
in Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Children. The right to maintenance is not merely
a legal provision but is deeply rooted in fundamental human rights. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living, which includes food,
clothing, housing, and medical care. In the context of children, maintenance is indispensable for
their survival, growth, and development. Denying maintenance due to unresolved paternity issues
would be a violation of their basic human rights.

 22. In this case though the applicant is refusing the maintenance and the paternity of the
children, however, when the court ordered for the DNA test, the applicant has assailed that order
692 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
in this application. The applicant cannot be allowed to blow hot and cold at the same time. He
cannot deny the paternity of the children and at the same time he refuses to undergo the DNA test.
If he is doubting the paternity the only way to prove his case is by the DNA testing. Moreover, the
applicant cannot equate the DNA test with the other tests like Narco test which needs a prior
consent. Explanation 53 of Cr.P.C. now makes it abundantly clear "examination" would include
DNA parentage."

22. In the Court's view, the present case involves peculiar facts and circumstances in which
a father i.e. revisionist has every right to know whether he is biological father of opposite party
no.2 or not. Similarly, a daughter i.e. opposite party no.2 also has every right to know who is her
biological father because if this is not known, it will continue to trouble both of them throughout
their lives and they will also not be able to lead their lives properly in society.

23. Consequently, the impugned judgment and order dated 1st March, 2025 passed by the
Principal Judge, Family Court, Sonbhadra in Criminal Misc. Case No. 575 of 2019 (Khusbu Vs.
Jawahir Lal Jaiswal) under Section 125 Cr.P.C. 125 Cr.P.C., Police Station Pannuganj, DistrictSonbhadra is set aside.

24. After getting the D.N.A. testing of revisionist and opposite party no.2 undertaken, the
trial court is directed to consider and decide Criminal Misc. Case No. 575 of 2019 (Khusbu Vs.
Jawahir Lal Jaiswal) under Section 125 Cr.P.C., Police Station Pannuganj, District-Sonbhadra
afresh on merits, in accordance with law, by means of a reasoned and speaking order, after
affording an opportunity of hearing to both parties, preferably within three months from the date of
production of a certified copy of this order, without granting unnecessary adjournments to either of
the parties, if there is no other legal impediment.

25. The present criminal revision is allowed subject to the observations and directions
made above.

26. There shall be no order as to costs.
----------
(2026) 3 ILRA 692
REVISIONAL JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL SIDE
DATED: ALLAHABAD 17.03.2026

BEFORE

THE HON'BLE ABDUL SHAHID, J.

Criminal Revision No 3467 of 2025

Ram Gopal ....Revisionist
Versus
State of U.P. & Ors. ...Opposite Parties

Issue for Consideration