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Among all the forensic tools available to criminal investigators, DNA analysis is the only one that has consistently produced reliable results. Now Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, wants to ensure that the technique be used more widely to convict criminals in the country.

While the goal is laudable, the draft Human DNA Profiling bill to be introduced in the Indian parliament soon has been criticised heavily. The Wire carried a draft version of the bill, and alleged that, if passed in its current form, it would be “one of the most intrusive enactments of its kind anywhere in the world.”

Late to the party

Since it was developed in 1988, DNA profiling has been widely used around the world. As many as 60 countries have built DNA databases, which mostly consist of DNA data of convicted criminals. Such a database not only helps deter repeat offenders, but also improves the accuracy of matching profiles.

The idea behind India’s Human DNA Profiling bill was first developed in 2003. But, even in its latest iteration which had inputs from many scientific...