DNA Bill, 2019 | 01 Nov 2019

Recently, the scope for violations of privacy in the proposed DNA data bank was discussed by a parliamentary panel on the contentious DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019.

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

Threat of data Hacking: After the incident of malware infection at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant there is a risk of this sensitive data bank being hacked.
Violation of Human Rights: DNA can play an important role in solving the crimes but it also puts human rights at stake. It can lead to misuse and miscarriages of justice.
Not Cost Effective: Creating large databases is not a very budget friendly option with limited resources.
Inadequate Resources: Currently, laboratories are able to assess only one or two samples at a time. This results in delayed investigations.
Possibility of misuse of DNA samples: Through DNA, not only the identity of a person can be known but also other characteristics like if she/he is suffering from any disease etc. There is a possibility that people having access to DNA samples, blackmail the person who has submitted his/her DNA sample.
Single Use: Bill envisages the use of a DNA sample for a particular specified purpose only. For any other purpose, the DNA sample will have to be processed again.

Modernisation of Technology: It will help process around 40 to 50 samples at a time which will in the quick resolution of various cases and thus will strengthen India’s Justice Delivery System.
Multiple usage: Use of DNA cannot be restricted to a particular purpose. A series of situations may arise that can demand usage of a DNA sample again and again.
Effective implementation: It is required to ensure the proper storage and usage of DNA bills.
Securing Human Rights: The authorities need to regulate three broad areas of concern – capacity, training and consent before unleashing the DNA Bill in India.