DNA Technology Bill 2019
Definition
India's pending legislation proposing the creation of a national DNA database (NDDB) and a profiling regulatory framework. Passed the Lok Sabha in September 2019 but lapsed before Rajya Sabha consideration.
- Jurisdiction
- India
- Proposes
- National DNA Database (NDDB) and regulatory framework
- Lok Sabha passage
- January 2019
- Status
- Lapsed before Rajya Sabha consideration
Common questions
Why did the DNA Technology Bill 2019 not become law despite passing the Lok Sabha?+
A bill lapses if it is not passed by both houses of Parliament within the life of that Lok Sabha; this bill cleared the Lok Sabha but did not complete Rajya Sabha consideration before the term ended, so it lapsed rather than being rejected on its merits.
What regulatory gap does the absence of this legislation leave in India?+
Without an enacted framework, India lacks a dedicated statutory body governing DNA database creation, sample retention limits, and profiling standards, so forensic DNA use proceeds under existing evidence law and departmental practice rather than a purpose-built statute.
Related terms
- Amelogenin
- A gene on both the X and Y chromosomes used for sex determination in forensic STR kits. The X-allele amplicon is approximately...
- CODIS (Combined DNA Index System)
- The FBI-managed software architecture for the US national forensic DNA database, operating through a three-tier structure of local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and...
- ESS (European Standard Set)
- The set of STR loci required for profiles entered into EU national databases participating in Prüm cross-border DNA exchange. Currently aligned with...
- INTERPOL DNA Gateway
- INTERPOL's secure server for cross-national DNA profile comparison, hosted in Lyon. As of 2023, fifty-nine member countries contribute profiles.
- NDIS (National DNA Index System)
- The uppermost tier of the US CODIS architecture, holding profiles contributed by all US federal and state DNA database programs. As of...
- Prüm Decisions
- EU Council Decisions 2008/615/JHA and 2008/616/JHA requiring EU member states to allow automated cross-border DNA database comparison using a hit/no-hit system.
- SE33 (ACTBP2)
- An extremely polymorphic STR locus with over 90 known alleles, included in ESS17 but not in CODIS 20. Provides high discriminatory power...