DNA BILL

Subject : National Legislations

Context : MPs file dissent notes to Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report on DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019.

Concept :

The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks for states.
DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks.
Every Data Bank will be required to maintain indices for the following categories of data-

a crime scene index

a suspects’ or undertrials’ index

an offenders’ index

a missing persons’ index

an unknown deceased persons’ index

It aims to store the unique genetic information for administrative purposes.
It also provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories.
The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, will be the ex officio Chairperson of the board and the additional members will be-

experts in the field of biological sciences

Director General of the National Investigation Agency

Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The bill also proposes a written consent by individuals be obtained before collection of their DNA samples. However, consent is not required for offences with punishment of more than seven years in jail or death.
It also provides for the removal of DNA profiles of suspects on the filing of a police report or court order, and of undertrials on the basis of a court order. Profiles in the crime scene and missing persons’ index will be removed on a written request.