Human DNA Profiling Bill likely in Budget session:Centre to SC

Government intends to introduce the Human DNA Profiling Bill, to enable identification of bodies and missing persons and create a DNA database, in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Department of Biotechnology said that in accordance with the apex court directions, an experts committee had last November had recommended that the provision for creating a DNA Data Bank of DNA profiles of several categories of individuals should be included in the draft Human DNA Profiling Bill.
"In the absence of suitable law, it may neither be practical nor feasible for creation and maintenance of DNA Data Bank of individuals to ensure confidentiality and prohibit unauthorized use of biological samples," the affidavit said.

It said the Human DNA Profiling Bill would provide legislative sanction for the government to formulate, approve and implement the rules and regulations for creation, maintenance and operation of the DNA data bank and ensure appropriate use of biological samples.
"Earnest endeavours are being made by the government for introduction of the Bill in 2015 Budget Session of the Parliament...," it said.
The Bill, it said, would also address the logistical and operational constraints for establishment of DNA Data Bank and develop infrastructure as well as protocols across all states in the country for recording details of unidentified deceased individuals.