ROMEO VICTOR Vs. CHERANALLOOR GRAMA PANCHAYATH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The marriage between the petitioners was solemnised on 05/02/2012 and a female child was born to them on 26/06/2022. The birth took place in the second petitioner's residence and the delivery was reported to the first respondent and an application for birth certificate submitted on 28/06/2022. The petitioners were not issued with the birth certificate. On enquiry, they were informed that suspicion had arisen regarding the birth of the child and enquiries were made at the Cheranalloor Panchayat Office, Health Centre and Police Station. As the suspicion could not be cleared even after such enquiry, the police directed a DNA test of the child and the parents. Aggrieved, this writ petition is filed seeking the following reliefs;

(2.) Heard learned Counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Pleader. The first respondent has not entered appearance, despite service of notice.

(3.) Going by the Exhibits, the marriage of the petitioners is certified as per Ext.P1 marriage certificate dtd. 16/02/2012. Ext.P2 is the certificate dtd. 27/04/2022, issued by the Medical Officer/Medical Practitioner of Family Health Centre, Cheranalloor, for production before the 2nd respondent's employer for availing maternity leave. Ext.P4 is issued from the St.Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Pazhanji, certifying the date of birth of the petitioners- child as 26/06/2022. Ext.P5 is the Baptism Certificate dtd. 27/01/2023 issued from the St.George Orthodox Valiyapally, Ernakulam. In all these documents, the first petitioner is shown to be the father of the child.