DNA tests have become severely important even in legal aspects of life. Many people often look forward to legal DNA tests to resolve their family disputes related to their biological family connections.
In a legal dispute, having concrete evidence can change everything. Therefore, legal DNA tests in India have become a powerful tool for honorable judges to settle family relationships or complicated criminal matters. It’s because genetic data provides absolute certainty of family links in a courtroom.
Understanding the Role of DNA in the Courtroom
You might wonder how a small sample of your cells can hold so much weight in a court of law. For a long time, Indian law relied heavily on Section 112 of the Indian Evidence Act, which assumed a husband was the father of any child born during a marriage. However, the law has evolved with scientific progress. Under the new Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, forensic results like DNA tests are considered “expert opinions” that help judges make fair decisions.
A legal DNA test is an official procedure used to validate the genetic links between people involved in court-related disputes. This is different from a “peace of mind” test, which is only for your own curiosity and has no value in a legal setting. The court only accepts reports from laboratories that follow the strict legal procedure for DNA test in India.
Situations Where a Legal DNA Test is Used
There are many reasons why a judge might ask you to undergo testing. Most of these cases involve proving who is related to whom to ensure justice is served. Common situations include:
- Child Custody and Support: To ensure a child is cared for by their true biological parents.
- Property Inheritance: To prove that you are the rightful heir to a family estate.
- Immigration Matters: To validate family links when standard documents like birth certificates are missing or not accepted by an embassy.
- Criminal Investigations: DNA tests help law enforcement identify or clear suspects in a crime.
- Preventing Child Trafficking: To confirm the true identity of children to prevent illegal adoptions.
The Procedure of a Legal DNA Test
If the court has asked you for a DNA test, you do not need to worry about a painful or complicated procedure. The science is complex, but the experience for you is very simple.
Sample Collection: The Buccal Swab
The most common method for collecting DNA is the “buccal swab” or cheek swab. A lab expert uses a soft cotton bud to gently rub the inside of your cheek walls. This picks up epithelial (skin) cells that contain your unique genetic code.
This method is:
- Painless: It does not involve any needles.
- Safe: It is suitable for people of all ages, including newborns and the elderly.
- Fast: The collection often takes just a few minutes.
In some forensic or criminal cases, alternative samples like blood, hair follicles, or fingernails might be used, but cheek swabs are preferred for standard relationship testing because they are non-invasive.
Lab Analysis and STR Profiling
Once the samples reach the lab, experts use a technique called Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling. Every person inherits the genetic does from their biological parents, which are specific only to them.
The lab experts look at these genetic markers to create a “genetic fingerprint”. In a parent-child relationship, the child must share genetic markers at every single location tested with the parent.
- If the profiles match at 99.99% or higher, the biological relationship is proven.
- If there is a 0% match, the genetic relationship is not established.
Chain of Custody in Legal DNA Test
Legal DNA tests in India are performed under a strict chain of custody procedure, where a court-appointed representative monitors the process.
The representative initially verifies the identities of the individuals involved in the DNA test using their government ID. It’s to make sure the right parties are present in the test. Then the collected DNA samples are securely sealed in front of the official to prevent tampering and contamination, and sent to a lab for further analysis.
Then, the final report of a legal DNA test is sent directly to the office of the honorable hearing judge. This is to protect the privacy and integrity of the report.
Navigating the Legal Path for Testing
Getting a legal DNA test involves a specific path to ensure the results stay valid for the judge. You cannot simply book a private appointment and expect the court to use those results.
Step 1: The Court Order
The process usually begins when a judge orders a test to be performed. While the court may suggest a state or district laboratory, these government facilities often have very long waiting lists that can take months.
Step 2: Choosing an Accredited Laboratory
Fortunately, you can request the hearing judge’s permission to use an accredited private Lab, like DNA Forensics Laboratory, to get your results much faster. It’s because in government labs, the waiting time is long. But with a private lab, you can get results much faster.
Step 3: Confidential Reporting
To maintain the integrity of the evidence, the final report is handled with extreme care. Instead of being sent to you, the lab sends the report directly to the judge’s office or the embassy. This prevents anyone from tampering with the results.
Costs and Timeline for Legal Testing
Because legal DNA tests in India involve extra paperwork, official supervision, and strict handling, we cost more than standard personal tests.
Estimated Costs
The cost of a legal DNA test can vary based on several factors:
- Paternity or Maternity Test: 35,400 INR.
- Siblingship or Grandparentage Test: 35,400 INR.
- Immigration DNA Test: 42,480 INR.
Note: Prices include GST but are subject to change depending on the number of people involved or the complexity of the case.
It usually takes around 8 to 10 business days to receive the final report.
Why Choose DNA Forensics Laboratory?
Choosing the right laboratory is the most important step for anyone involved in a court-related case. DNA Forensics Laboratory is a leading choice because of its high standards and experience in handling legal matters.
- Legal Admissibility: DFL is the only private lab in India whose reports are accepted by the honorable courts.
- Expert Accreditations: DFL holds NABL accreditation and ISO 15189:2022 certification for high-quality standards.
- Global Reach: With over 400 collection centers, we make the process convenient for families across the country.
- Accuracy and Privacy: We provide highly reliable results while ensuring the complete confidentiality of your personal information.
When your future or your family’s rights are at stake, uncertainty is your biggest enemy. Science provides a way to replace doubt with undeniable facts. By following the proper legal DNA tests in India procedure, you ensure that your evidence will be respected and used to find the truth. Whether the case involves a child’s custody or a property claim, a legal test provides the clarity and security you need to move forward with your life.
For more information or to book a legal DNA test, you can contact the experts at DNA Forensics Laboratory at +91 8010177771 or message on WhatsApp at +91 9266615552.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How is a legal DNA test done?
Ans: A legal DNA test is performed under a strict chain of custody procedure, in which a court-appointed representative watches the sample collection procedure. This process makes the DNA test reports admissible in honorable courts.
Q2. How long does it take to get results from a legal DNA test in India?
Ans: It usually takes around 8-10 business days to get the final results from a legal DNA test in India. The results from these tests are sent directly to the honorable hearing judge.
Q3. How to initiate a court-ordered DNA test for a child custody?
Ans: In a child custody case, the honorable judge may order a DNA test for further validation. During that time, you can request the test to be done at a private lab like DNA Forensics Laboratory.
Q4. Where can I get a legal DNA test done in India?
Ans: DNA Forensics Laboratory provides accredited legal DNA tests in India, as it’s the only private DNA testing company in India whose DNA test reports are legally admissible in the lega disputes.
Q5. What documents are required for a legal DNA test in India?
Ans: A government-issued ID, recent passport-sized photographs, a court-order of DNA test, and a consent form are required for a legal DNA test.
Q6. How much does a legal DNA test cost in India?Ans: The cost of a legal DNA test in India is around 35,400 INR. But it may vary depending on the number of individuals in the test and also the complexity of the test.