Cabinet has approved the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018.
What are the key provisions?
The Bill provides for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories.
It seeks to ensure that the DNA test results are reliable.
It also ensures that the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of citizens.
The Bill's provisions will enable the cross-matching between
persons who have been reported missing
unidentified dead bodies
victims in mass disasters
The government will set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles.
It imposes jail term of up to 3 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh on those who leak the information stored in such facilities.
These banks will maintain a national database for identification of victims, accused, suspects, undertrials, missing persons and unidentified human remains.
The Bill creates a DNA Profiling Board that would be the final authority to -
authorise the creation of State-level DNA databanks
approve the methods of collection
analyse DNA-technologies
What is the objective?
Forensic DNA profiling helps in offences categorized as affecting the human body and those against property.
It includes murder, rape, human trafficking, or grievous hurt and theft, burglary, dacoity.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) put the number of such crimes in excess of 3 lakhs per year.
Of these, only a very small proportion is being subjected to DNA testing at present.
The primary purpose of the Bill is thus to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies.
The expanded use of DNA technology in these cases would result in speedier justice delivery.
It could also help in increased conviction rates, which at present is only around 30%.
