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Draft DNA Bill
Why is it in news?
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology has flagged that some provisions could be misused for caste or community-based profiling.
Details:
- The committee, in its draft report, pointed out that DNA profiles can reveal extremely sensitive information of an individual such as pedigree, skin colour, behaviour, illness, health status and susceptibility to diseases.
- Access to such intrusive information can be misused to specifically target individuals and their families with their own genetic data.
- This is particularly worrying as it could even be used to incorrectly link a particular caste/community to criminal activities.
DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019
- The Bill provides for the regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.
(1) Use of DNA Data: DNA testing is allowed only in respect of matters listed in the Schedule to the Bill.
(2) DNA Data Bank:The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two or more states.
(3) DNA Regulatory Board:The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories.
(4) DNA laboratories:Any laboratory undertaking DNA testing is required to obtain accreditation from the Board. The Board may revoke the accreditation for reasons including, failure to: (i) undertake DNA testing, or (ii) comply with the conditions attached to the accreditation
(5) Offences: The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, including: (i) for disclosure of DNA information, or (ii) using DNA sample without authorization. For instance, disclosure of DNA information will be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and fine of up to one lakh rupees.