Thread by @tame_wildcard

In the Lok Sabha, Minister Harsh Vardhan has pushed the DNA Bill for consideration and passing. MPs have been responding with their concerns and comments.

The House just finished hearing from @PremachandranNk. He supported concerns expressed by @ShashiTharoor , and added that though the Govt claimed the databank would be secure, how could it be secure if there was no data protection law?

He also flagged that the consent clauses were concerning, in how it allowed for accused citizens to give their consent while in police custody. Consent could easily be obtained from them - need to have safeguards. He pressed that the Bill be sent to a standing committee

Additional comments from @PremDasRai - saying he supported bill but was worried about privacy and other concerns. He did support the passage of the bill.

Minister Harsh Vardhan responding. On privacy concerns, he referred to expert committee formed by Ministry of Science and Technology. Claims it must have addressed all privacy concerns [he does not mention that Dr Usha Ramanathan there explicitly flagged the bill being flawed]

Harsh Vardhan now claiming that privacy concerns around DNA would apply to any blood sample. He then went on to say that DNA reveals no traits about an individual [!!!!!] Says that many details are not included in a bill, come in rules. But then reads further from his note [sigh]

Harsh Vardhan specificities trying to respond to what @ShashiTharoor said. First said that Congress Ministers had supported this when in Govt. Then talking dry quickly, saying international standards followed, CrPC rules will be applied [?], DNA board will have proper experts.

Weird. Harsh Vardhan referred to some internal committee full of internal security and intelligence people. Wasn’t clear what he was referring to.

Harsh Vardhan says there are penalties on misuse in bill. But then went on to say that anything not covered will be taken up in rules
....

My comment: Minister, your legal advisors need to educate you that rulemaking cannot create new criminal penalties, add more than statute

DNA Bill now going to clause by clause review and voting. Amendments moved by @PremachandranNk and also @ShashiTharoor (Speaker says latter isn’t there in House presently)

Bill was passed. Some amendments not pushed for or did not come up because the MP was missing. One amendment added by Minister and was carried (not stated on what; maybe title?). No division of votes called. Passage of clauses and bill was only by voice vote.