DNA Profiling Bill to be discussed by Narendra Modi government tomorrow

Among the many things the Cabinet will take up tomorrow is a bill that seeks to set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles.

In 2017, the Law Commission of India, in its 271st report, had prepared the draft Bill called The DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017, stressing on its usage for disaster victim identification, criminal investigation and identification of missing persons.

The Bill had invited criticism from groups who flagged privacy concerns in the procedure. Information from DNA samples gives intrustive details likes health, which can be misused. The draft Bill, however, states that all DNA data including DNA profiles, DNA samples and records, will only be used for identification of the person and not for "any other purpose".


Once approved by the Union Cabinet, the DNA Profiling Bill, 2018, will be tabled in the upcoming Monsoon session of the Parliament scheduled to begin from July 18.

Under the draft Bill, the government will set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles, and also impose jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs one 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.

(With inputs from PTI)