'Concerns over DNA Technology Regulation Bill should be addressed'

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill fails to address the lacunae created by the lack of a comprehensive data privacy law in the country, hence it should be brought after addressing some major concerns, CPI leader Binoy Viswam said in an interview with ETV Bharat's Correspondent Gautam Debroy.

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of the government's intention to bring the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Binoy Viswam on Friday said that the Bill should be brought after addressing some major concerns.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, the Rajya Sabha member said the Bill in its present structure fails to address the lacunae created by the lack of a comprehensive data privacy law in the country.

Viswam said that there is every possibility that this Bill might target some marginalised communities like Dalits, Adivasis, religious and gender minorities among others.

The CPI leader has also sent a dissent note to the chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on science & technology, environment, forests and climate change Jairam Ramesh highlighting his concern over the Bill.

"My intention is not to weaken the Bill. On the contrary, I want to strengthen the Bill," Viswam said.

The parliamentary committee on Wednesday submitted its report over the Bill in the Parliament and asked the government to pay attention "to certain views" on every important issue of the proposed legislation.

It may be mentioned here that the Bill was sent to the standing committee after it was introduced in the Parliament in 2019.

The legislation provides for the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons such as suspects, offenders, and victims.

The Bill also has the provision for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board which will supervise DNA data banks and DNA labs.

"I have given a dissent note over the DNA Act by raising my objections... I think if the existing Bill becomes an Act, it will not serve the purpose. However, the government seems in a hurry to pass the Bill," said Viswam.

He said that there should be some precautionary measures to ensure that it will not be used against suppressed sections like the Dalits, Adivasis and minorities.

There have been many instances of Acts being used against the suppressed. The government can frame a case against anybody. The Bill might be used by the political spectrum against some communities, said Viswam.

"While I am in agreement regarding the need for a comprehensive law on the use of DNA technology on our legal system, it is equally important to ensure that the law does not violate the principles of our Constitution," said Viswam.

While giving its remarks, the parliamentary panel opined that right against self-incrimination has been widely accepted and finds a prominent place in the Constitution.

The panel in its report said, "...this ensures that no person is forced to provide evidence that may incriminate him or her in any crime."