In 2022, a remarkable legislative move by the Indian Parliament ushered in a new era in criminal identification and data management. The Criminal Procedure Identification Act (CrPI), 2022, was passed, granting the police and central investigating authorities the power to collect, store, and analyze physical and biological samples of arrested persons. Recently, plans have been unveiled to introduce ‘DNA and Face Matching’ systems in 1,300 police stations across the nation, despite the Act’s provisions not yet being implemented in full.
The Context of The ‘DNA and Face Matching Systems’ Under CrPI Act, 2022
The CrPI Act, 2022, introduced an innovative framework for collecting critical indicators like retina and iris scans from individuals involved in criminal proceedings. Implementation of the Act was entrusted to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a central organization. The NCRB has been a guiding force for police officers, instructing on the accurate protocol for recording these measurements.
Paving the Way for Implementation
While the Act and its associated rules did not explicitly detail DNA sample collection and face matching procedures, the NCRB revealed intentions to include these measures during discussions with State police. Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a Domain Committee comprising State police and central law enforcement officials for the task of recording DNA data.
The Roadblocks: Challenges and Controversies
The legislation was met with dissent, with critics labeling it as “unconstitutional” and an invasion of privacy. Beyond the controversy, practical problems were also rife, such as the requirement for extensive training and resources in multiple states compounded by concerns over funding and operating costs. The NCRB emphasized that technologically, legally, and forensically sound tools and systems, and robust safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse of collected data.
Inside the ‘DNA and Face Matching Systems’ Technology
The Face Matching System is an innovative technology that employs algorithms to create a digital map of an individual’s face. It identifies and maps facial features, which it then matches against available databases. Similarly, DNA matching systems or DNA profiling are techniques used to identify individuals based on their unique genetic characteristics. These systems analyze certain regions of an individual’s DNA, which vary significantly among people, to create a unique genetic profile.
The UPSC Questions in Light of the CrPI Act, 2022
The implications of these developments have been reflected in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In 2018, a question revolving around the identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ and its APIs emerged. Similarly, in 2014, a question focussed on biometric identification methods beyond fingerprint scanning was asked. These questions underscore the growing relevance of technological advancements in law enforcement, as reflected in the CrPI Act, 2022, and the ensuing plans to implement ‘DNA and Face Matching’ systems in police stations across India.