DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

News

The Lok Sabha has passed the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

Important Facts

About DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018:

1. Aim: Expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.

Details:

2. The bill regulates the use of DNA technology to establish the identity of persons in respect of criminal matters listed and civil matters such as parentage disputes, emigration or immigration, and transplantation of human organs.
3. It provides for establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks.
4. Every databank will maintain DNA data in one of the following categories: the crime scene index, the suspects’ or undertrials’ index, the offenders’ index, the missing persons’ index and an ‘unknown’ deceased persons’ index.
5. The bill also seeks establishment of DNA Regulatory Board. The principal responsibility of the Regulatory Board will be to accredit DNA-testing labs from which data can be collected for the databank and ensure they maintain high quality standards at all times.

Significance of the bill:

6. The Bill is expected to fast-track criminal cases in which DNA evidence could prove especially conclusive.
7. The use of DNA data is also likely to be useful in quickly identifying missing persons and resolving criminal cases in which repeat offenders might be involved.