Madras High Court Grants DNA Testing in Celebrity Chef Paternity Dispute
The Madras High Court issued a significant order on Wednesday, permitting DNA testing on celebrity chef Madhampatty Rangaraj to establish the paternity of costume designer Joy Crizildaa's child. This judicial decision came after both parties provided their mutual consent, marking a crucial development in the ongoing legal dispute.
Court-Appointed Commission to Oversee Testing Process
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy took additional steps to ensure proper implementation of the order. The judge appointed an advocate commission with specific responsibilities to coordinate with the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where the DNA test will be conducted. This commission has been tasked with filing a comprehensive report based on the test results to former judge Justice P N Prakash, who was previously appointed to mediate the dispute between Rangaraj and Crizildaa.
Background of the Legal Battle
The legal proceedings trace back to October 2025 when Joy Crizildaa approached the family court seeking maintenance for her unborn child from Rangaraj. According to her petition, Rangaraj allegedly married her in December 2023 and subsequently attempted to abandon her when she refused to terminate her pregnancy. The situation culminated on October 31 when she gave birth to a baby boy, further intensifying the legal claims.
Financial Claims and Maintenance Demands
In her original petition, Joy Crizildaa presented detailed financial claims against Rangaraj. She argued that as her husband, Rangaraj was legally obligated to fulfill financial responsibilities arising from their matrimonial and domestic relationship. This included maintenance for both herself and their unborn child. Specifically, she requested the court to direct Rangaraj to pay 6.50 lakh rupees for monthly maintenance, covering essential expenses such as house rent, car EMI payments, medical costs, and various other living expenses necessary for proper care and support.
The court's decision to allow DNA testing represents a pivotal moment in resolving these complex allegations and financial claims. The test results will provide scientific evidence regarding paternity, which will significantly influence subsequent legal determinations about maintenance obligations and other related matters. Both parties now await the testing process and subsequent judicial review of the findings.
