DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL, 2018

Aug. 27, 2018

Opposition parties are opposing the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2018, on the alleged ground that it will leady to violation of citizen’s privacy.

About:

Objective: to regulate the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of victims, offenders, suspects, undertrials, missing persons and unknown deceased persons.
Salient Features: The Bill seeks to –
- prohibit laboratories from undertaking DNA testing, analysing, etc., without obtaining accreditation;
- establish a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks for storing and maintaining the DNA profiles;
- Establish a DNA Regulatory Board for –
  - advising the Government on establishing of DNA labs and DNA Data Banks;
  - granting accreditation to laboratories for undertaking DNA testing;
  - assisting in criminal investigation between various investigation agencies within the country and with any foreign State, international organisation;
  - making recommendations to the Central Government for the application of privacy protection wrt use of, DNA samples;
- make provision for the security and confidentiality of information relating to DNA profiling, DNA samples and any records in the custody of DNA Data Bank and labs;
- provide for offenses and penalties for contravention of certain provisions of the Bill.