The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was re-introduced in Lok Sabha on July 8, 2019. The Bill provides for the regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons. The primary intended purpose of the new Bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. The same Bill had been previously introduced in Lok Sabha in August 2018, but could not be passed in the Upper House and so had lapsed.
Some key provisions of the Bill are as below: Use of DNA Data : Under the Bill, DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the Schedule to the Bill. These include offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil matters such as paternity suits. Further, the Schedule…
