Table of Contents
Why in NEWS?
- The Bill that provides for regulation of use and application of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain categories of persons, including offenders, victims, suspects and undertrials, was passed in Lok Sabha. AIM
- The use of DNA data is also likely to be useful in quickly identifying missing persons and resolving criminal cases in which repeat offenders might be involved.
Features
- Procedures.
- Accreditation
- Regulator
- Safeguards
Use and Application
- The primary intended purpose for enactment of the bill is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.
- The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well recognized across the world.
- Other aims include Speedier justice delivery and Increased conviction rate.
- Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons reported missing and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters.
- By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. • The Bill has two major components : the DNA databanks and the DNA Regulatory Board.
- DNA databanks
- DNA Regulatory Board
Criticisms
- Matter of Consent
- Civil Disputes
- Authenticity of DNA Labs
- Overreaching access to identity
WhatsApp