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22 June 2026

Implementation of DNA records collection law

The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act is a landmark piece of legislation that directly intersects with fundamental rights, specifically the right to privacy as established in the Puttaswamy judgment, making it highly relevant for GS2 constitutional and governance questions.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act (CrPI), 2022, allows police and prison authorities to collect biological and physical samples, including DNA, fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs, from arrested and convicted individuals.
  • Over one lakh DNA profiles have been generated and stored in a central database managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) over the last five months.
  • The CrPI system is integrated with the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), which contains over 1.27 crore records.
  • The system includes advanced video analytics to match CCTV footage against the national database for identifying suspects.
  • Data collected under the CrPI Act can be retained for up to 75 years.
  • Supreme Court jurisprudence on DNA testing has evolved from Goutam Kundu (1993) to the post-Puttaswamy (2017) era, establishing that DNA tests should be a last resort.
  • The Puttaswamy judgment established the right to privacy as a fundamental right, requiring that any compelled genetic disclosure must pass a threefold test: legality, legitimate aim, and proportionality.
  • Current judicial standards dictate that DNA tests can be ordered only when paternity is directly in issue, no other evidence can resolve the dispute, and the test serves the interest of justice.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, in modernising criminal investigation in India. How does the integration of biometric and biological data enhance the efficiency of law enforcement agencies? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The Supreme Court has consistently balanced the pursuit of truth with the fundamental right to privacy in matters involving DNA testing. Critically analyse this evolution in judicial approach, particularly in the context of the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment and the principles of proportionality and necessity. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, what is the maximum duration for which identification records, including DNA profiles, can be retained?

  2. Which of the following bodies is responsible for operating the central database for DNA records collected under the CrPI Act?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-22/implementation-of-dna-records-collection-law