DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL, 2018

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.