Malaysia Case Law: Decisions & Judgments | LexChat

Malaysia Case Law

Presumption of legitimacy (s.112 evidence act 1950)

  • 3 Jul 2024

    1. ) M. P. P. L. 2. ) H. Y. S. L. XXXX

    Citation
    02(f)-49-08/2023(W) (Mahkamah Persekutuan)
    Court
    f
    Case number
    02(f)-49-08/2023(W) (Mahkamah Persekutuan)

    Appeal allowed: the Federal Court held that on these facts a court should not compel a DNA test. The presumption of legitimacy under s.112 Evidence Act 1950 remains operative in judicial proceedings where a registered husband is the legal father and no cogent proof of "no access" is shown; s.4(3) EA operates to bar evidence to rebut that presumption in such circumstances. The court lacks statutory power to compel DNA testing in civil proceedings absent express legislation; parens patriae powers are protective and limited and must be exercised only when necessary for the child's welfare — here…

  • 27 Mar 2023

    1. ) M. P. P. L. 2. ) H. Y. S. L. XXXX

    Citation
    W-02(W)-1051-05/2021 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
    Court
    W
    Case number
    W-02(W)-1051-05/2021 (Mahkamah Rayuan)

    Where a putative father proves on the balance of probabilities that he had sexual relations with the mother during the child’s conception period and the test is in the child’s best interests, the High Court has inherent parens patriae jurisdiction (supported by s.24(d) CJA 1964 and s.3(1) Civil Law Act 1956 importing English common law) to order forensic DNA testing notwithstanding absence of explicit civil statutory power and notwithstanding the presumption of legitimacy under s.112 Evidence Act 1950 does not bar such inquiry.