The government has officially announced the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, granting police the authority to procure physical and biological samples from convicts and individuals accused of crimes. According to the recent notification, individuals participating in protests violating Section 144, who are subsequently arrested for offenses punishable under existing laws, may have their measurements taken.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind had previously granted approval to the Bill, which replaces the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920. The Lok Sabha passed the Act on April 4, followed by the Rajya Sabha on April 6.
However, the legislation has faced criticism from several Opposition parties, labeling it “unconstitutional” and “draconian.” Concerns have been raised about potential misuse, as the law permits law enforcement agencies to take various measurements, including finger impressions, palm-print impressions, foot-print impressions, photographs, iris and retina scans, physical and biological samples, analysis of these samples, and behavioral attributes such as signatures and handwriting.
The notification specifies that “the authorized user or any person skilled in taking the measurements or a registered medical practitioner” may carry out these measurements, but only with prior approval from a police officer not below the rank of superintendent of police.