Effectiveness of DNA Profiling with special reference to DNA Technology ( Use and Application ) Regulation Bill, 2019

Abstract

Before the dawn of the twentieth century, the role played by one complicated molecule in the shape of all living things was one of nature’s best kept secrets. Who could imagine that a molecule known as DNA was a great architect of life? Or that Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) might act as its messenger.2 The discovery of DNA fingerprinting revolutionised criminal identification and forensic science. Just like ink fingerprints, DNA fingerprints are unique to every individual and can be used as legal evidence in court to prosecute or defend alleged criminals. In paternity cases, DNA fingerprinting technology can be used to identify or rule out persons as biological parents of a child. However, the development of this technology has given rise to a number of ethical debates including whether a person can be forced to give a DNA sample for analysis and who should gain access to such personal information. Also, the concept of a DNA database raises questions about personal privacy and civil rights, although it could be a key contributor to genetic research. Scientists are consistently finding that DNA Technology has become an important tool in the investigation process since the inception of the technology throughout the world. Since this technology has left a profound impact on the administration of justice and various countries of the world has adopted this technology and to adopt this new science in the legal system, have either changed or amended their existing laws and some countries have even introduced new special DNA legislations for maintaining proper balance between some human rights of the persons involved in criminal cases and the need of DNA evidence for the interest of justice and social security