Madras High Court Orders DNA Testing in Celebrity Chef Paternity Dispute
The Madras High Court has issued a significant order permitting DNA testing on celebrity chef Madhampatty Rangaraj to establish the paternity of costume designer Joy Crizildaa's child. This decision, delivered on Wednesday, came after both parties provided mutual consent for the scientific examination.
Court-Appointed Commission to Oversee Testing Process
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the testing proceeds smoothly and transparently. The court appointed an advocate commission with specific responsibilities to coordinate with the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where the DNA test will be conducted.
The commission's mandate includes:
- Facilitating communication between the hospital and legal authorities
- Ensuring proper collection and analysis of DNA samples
- Filing a detailed report based on the test results
This report will be submitted to former judge Justice P N Prakash, who was previously appointed by the court to mediate the ongoing dispute between Rangaraj and Crizildaa.
Background of the Legal Battle
The paternity case has its origins in October 2025 when Joy Crizildaa approached the family court seeking maintenance for her unborn child from Madhampatty Rangaraj. According to her petition, the two were married in December 2023, but their relationship deteriorated when she refused to terminate her pregnancy.
Crizildaa alleged that Rangaraj attempted to abandon her following her decision to continue the pregnancy. She gave birth to a baby boy on October 31, 2025, which prompted her to seek legal recourse for financial support.
Financial Claims and Maintenance Demands
In her original petition, Joy Crizildaa presented detailed financial claims against Madhampatty Rangaraj. She argued that as her husband, Rangaraj bore legal responsibility to fulfill financial obligations arising from their matrimonial and domestic relationship.
The maintenance demands specifically included:
- Monthly maintenance payments totaling 6.50 lakh rupees
- Coverage for house rent expenses
- Payment of car EMI installments
- Medical expenses for both mother and child
- Other essential living costs
Crizildaa maintained that these financial provisions were necessary to ensure proper care and upbringing of the child, as well as her own welfare as the mother.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The Madras High Court's decision to allow DNA testing represents a crucial development in this high-profile case. The test results will provide scientific evidence that could significantly impact the court's final determination regarding paternity and subsequent maintenance obligations.
The advocate commission now faces the responsibility of overseeing the entire testing process at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Once completed, their report will provide the factual basis for Justice P N Prakash's continued mediation efforts and potentially influence any future court rulings on the matter.
This case highlights the increasing role of scientific evidence in family law disputes and demonstrates how courts are utilizing modern technology to resolve complex personal matters with greater accuracy and fairness.
