The DNA Technology (Use And Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The bill which is also known as the DNA profiling bill, tries to check use of DNA technology to establish the identity of a person. According to the government, the DNA technology bill aims to establish the identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons. The Lok Sabha passed a similar bill in January, 2019 but it lapsed when the Rajya Sabha could not clear it due to lack of support from the opposition.
Provisions of the Bill
- It seeks to establish a national data bank and regional DNA data banks.
- It envisages that every databank will maintain indices like the crime scene index, suspects’ or undertrials’ index, offenders’ index, missing persons’ index and unknown deceased persons’ index.
- It also seeks to establish a DNA Regulatory Board. Every laboratory that analyses DNA samples to establish the identity of an individual, has to be accredited by the board.
- The bill also proposes a written consent by individuals be obtained before collection of their DNA samples. However, consent is not required for offences with punishment of more than seven years in jail or death.
- It also provides for the removal of DNA profiles of suspects on the filing of a police report or court order, and of undertrials on the basis of a court order. Profiles in the crime scene and missing persons’ index will be removed on a written request.