Question of the Day – SC GUIDELINES ON DNA
QOTD March 27,2026
With reference to dna testing and judicial guidelines in india, consider the following statements:
- courts can order dna tests without considering the right to privacy.
- dna testing is considered strong scientific evidence in courts.
- consent of the individual is an important factor in ordering dna tests.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is incorrect.
courts must balance dna testing with the right to privacy.
statement 2 is correct.
dna evidence is considered reliable scientific evidence.
statement 3 is correct.
consent and dignity of individuals are key considerations.
Why in news–
Why in news
Supreme Court of India issued important guidelines regarding the use of dna testing in legal and criminal matters. the court emphasized that dna tests should not be ordered routinely and must balance the right to privacy with the need for justice. it highlighted concerns related to misuse, consent, and dignity of individuals. the guidelines aim to ensure that dna evidence is used cautiously, especially in cases involving family disputes and sexual offences. the development has brought attention to ethical and legal aspects of dna technology in india. it also connects with debates around data protection and individual rights under the constitution.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.With reference to dna as evidence in india, consider the following statements:
- dna evidence is governed under the indian evidence act.
- dna tests are mandatory in all criminal cases.
- courts may refuse dna tests if it violates fundamental rights.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is correct.
dna evidence is admissible under provisions of the indian evidence act.
statement 2 is incorrect.
dna tests are not mandatory in all cases.
statement 3 is correct.
courts may deny dna tests to protect fundamental rights.
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding ethical concerns in dna testing:
- it may violate the right to privacy.
- it can lead to misuse of personal genetic data.
- it has no relevance in civil disputes.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is correct.
dna testing involves sensitive personal information.
statement 2 is correct.
genetic data may be misused if not regulated.
statement 3 is incorrect.
dna tests can be used in civil disputes like paternity cases.
PQ3. With reference to legal framework on dna in india, consider the following statements:
- india has a comprehensive dna data protection law fully in force.
- dna technology (use and application) regulation bill aims to regulate dna usage.
- dna profiling is used only in criminal investigations.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is incorrect.
india does not yet have a fully implemented comprehensive dna law.
statement 2 is correct.
the bill seeks to regulate use of dna technology.
statement 3 is incorrect.
dna profiling is also used in civil matters.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, consider the following statements:
- it declared right to privacy as a fundamental right.
- it stated that privacy is not protected under the constitution.
which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) both 1 and 2
(d) neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is correct.
the judgment recognized privacy as a fundamental right under article 21.
statement 2 is incorrect.
it affirmed that privacy is constitutionally protected.
