THE DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL - 2019

About:

• Objective: To regulate the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.
  
  
• Bodies established by the bill:
  • A National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks. Every Data Bank will maintain the: (i) crime scene index, (ii) suspects’ or undertrials’ index, (iii) offenders’ index, (iv) missing persons’ index, and (v) unknown deceased persons’ index.
    
    
  • A DNA Regulatory Board. Every DNA laboratory that analyses a DNA sample to establish the identity of an individual, has to be accredited by the Board.
    
    
  
  
  
• Other features of the bill:
  • Written consent by individuals is required to collect DNA samples from them. Consent is not required for offences with punishment of more than 7 years of imprisonment or death. 
    
    
  • DNA profiles of suspects can be removed on filing of a police report or court order, and of undertrials on the basis of a court order.
    
    
  
  
  
• Significance: The Bill will add value in empowering the criminal justice delivery system by enabling the application of DNA evidence, which is considered the gold standard in crime investigations.