SC wants Centre to create DNA data bank

A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra agreed with the petitioner’s argument that establishment of identity was an essential feature of individual dignity and the government must use modern scientific methods for creation of the DNA data bank.

The bench asked Additional Solicitor General Neeraj K Kaul to impress upon the competent authorities in the government “to think over it seriously so that an apposite road map is brought into existence on making it functional that would echo the voice and cry of the feelings and philosophy of the 21st century”.

Earlier, Kaul submitted before the bench that the government did not undermine the issue of DNA profiling by creating a DNA data bank and that the stakeholders were mulling various aspects of it.

“ This will require various issues relating to expenditure and expertise though. Even a bill is being planned on it and the government is seized of the matter,” Kaul said.

He pointed out that the DNA profiling will also involve issues pertaining to right to privacy as well since people may object to such tests.

“The science and technology wing of the government is looking at all these aspects and we will be able to take a decision soon,” the law officer added.

Ashok Dhamija, counsel for petitioner NGO ‘Lokniti Foundation’ however said there was no reason for the government to be reluctant since such a system was being widely used across the world.