Supreme Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Preparation Of DNA Index To Identify Unclaimed Dead Bodies

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (January 16) issued notice in a Writ Petition seeking directions to the Union Government for preparing a DNA Index to help identify dead bodies.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was apprised of the fact that each year 40,000 dead bodies are found which go unidentified and unclaimed.

The counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that on a previous occasion, pursuant to the order of the Court on May 1, 2018, the Union had given a statement regarding the making of the legislation in this regard. A bill was also introduced in the Lok Sabha however after being passed, it was lapsed.

He further explained “ Then it was reintroduced, it was referred to the committee, then finally they withdrawn it on 24th July 2023, thereby the statement that was given by the Counsel of Union of India that they will make the law ultimately did not fructify”

The CJI remarked verbally, “How can we direct the parliament to make a law? ”

To which the counsel clarified that the petition sought for the Union to prepare a DNA index, “We are not asking your lordship to direct them to make the law, what we want is for them to make the DNA Index, they should use the technology for finding out the missing people.”

The bench agreed to issue notice on the petition, making it returnable after 6 weeks.

Case Details: KISHAN CHAND JAIN vs. UNION OF INDIA W.P.(C) No. 000015 - / 2024

Click Here To Read/Download Order