Published Paper Details:

DNA fingerprinting and allied technologies, though helpful in criminal justice administration are contributing to creation of DNA databases consisting of the profiles of people whose DNA profiles are required for convicting or exonerating the accused from amongst many other uses. But how far it is relevant to retain the DNA profiles in the databases is an ongoing controversy upon which many learned minds have come to a consensus excepting that it is in the context of the profiles of adults. This research paper examines the manner in which, the necessity of and the time period for which the DNA profiles of delinquent Juveniles has to be collected and stored in databases. It also examines the provisions of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 considering the fact that there is no mention of this aspect of storing of DNA fingerprints of Juveniles in DNA databases. Therefore, this paper researches into the rights of juveniles in the technological era, with special reference to whether the DNA fingerprints of children who have committed serious offences or heinous crimes should be stored in DNA databases and trying to answer this primary question in the light of the principles of, 1. presumption of innocence, 2. right to privacy and confidentiality, 3. a fresh start and 4. diversion as prescribed by The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, in order to achieve the goals, as enumerated in the Act.