India: Family and Matrimonial

The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment in Chaturbhuj Pradhan v. Amar Pradhan addressing the complex intersection of DNA testing in paternity disputes with fundamental rights to privacy, personal identity, and inheritance. This ruling establishes critical legal precedents on when courts can order genetic testing to determine biological parentage and how such orders balance individual autonomy against the rights of children and families.

The Delhi High Court, in Uma Bharti & Anr. v. The Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors. [W.P.(CRL) 2429/2026], directed local police to protect a live-in couple whose relationship was opposed by the woman’s father and brother. The order, passed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Saurabh Banerjee on 13.08.2026, reaffirms that a consenting adult’s choice to reside with a partner of their choosing remains constitutionally protected, irrespective of familial or societal disapproval.

The Rajasthan High Court examines the controversial practice of Atta-Satta, a reciprocal marriage arrangement between families, and its profound implications for consent, child marriage, and women's dignity. This landmark case challenges whether deeply rooted social customs can override fundamental principles of individual consent and matrimonial rights.