Draft Human DNA Profiling Bill, 2015 released

Draft Human DNA Profiling Bill, 2015 released
The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology released the Draft Human DNA Profiling Bill, 2015 on August 5, 2015.15 The Draft Bill regulates the use of DNA analysis. It establishes national, state and regional level DNA data banks and the DNA Profiling Board. Key highlights of the draft Bill include:
 DNA Profiling Board: The responsibilities of the DNA Profiling Board will include: (i) issuing certificates of approval to DNA laboratories, (ii) framing guidelines for storage as well as destruction of biological substances, and (iii) supervising, monitoring and inspecting DNA laboratories and DNA data banks.
 DNA Laboratories: DNA profiling would be undertaken by the DNA laboratories. Every DNA laboratory for conducting DNA profiling would be required to take prior permission from the DNA Profiling Board.
 DNA data bank: DNA Banks will be established at the national, regional and state level. The DNA data banks shall store the DNA profiles received from the approved DNA labs. The data banks will maintain the following indices: (i) a crime scene index, (ii) a suspect index, (iii) an offenders‟ index, (iv) a missing persons‟ index, (v) unknown deceased persons‟ index, (vi) volunteers‟ index and (vii) such other DNA indices as may be prescribed by regulation by the DNA Profiling Board.
 Penalties: The penalties include: (i) obtaining individual identifiable DNA information through unauthorised means would be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to one lakh rupees (ii) intentionally destroying, altering, contaminating biological evidence would be punishable with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to two lakh rupees.