DNA technology and right to privacy: An Indian perspective
- Kashmir Journal of Legal Studies
- 9(1), 2022: p.65-74
DNA profiling is ascientific method of recording the almost unique characteristics that are present in every individual's DNA. DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid — is the building block of our basic genetic information that is stored in all the cells in our bodies. DNA profile is like a fingerprint, and hen ce the technique is also called DNA fingerprinting. Current technologies are able to read the sequences from even a very small fragment of a person 's DNA. Using a technique called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) the information in a small fragment of a DNA molecule can be amplified over a million times, making detection of the unique sequences much easier.The technique is used in criminal investigations and identification purposes. If a crime suspect 's DNA is found to match with DNA present at the scene of a crime, then this is seen as evidence that the suspect was present at the crime scene. But at the same time,DNA profiling has raised many issues of privacy than does ordinary fingerprinting. In addition, potential privacy threats arise from the fact that the original DNA samples are generally retained as well as the DNA profiles held on the databases. Privacy implications are also raised through the retention of DNA samples and profiles. This paper is an attempt to highlight the importance of DNA Technology and how it goes in hand in hand with Right to Privacy. – Reproduced