The Hindu : Kerala News : DNA test: panel to follow stricter norms

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Thursday, Jan 18, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala

DNA test: panel to follow stricter norms

Staff Reporter

KANNUR: The State Women's Commission will follow stricter norms for DNA parentage test being conducted through it, according to Commission member P. Kulsu.

Disclosing this after a sitting of the Commission at the collectorate conference hall here on Wednesday, Ms. Kulsu said over the last five years the DNA test had been ordered in 124 cases by the Commission. The Commission had to pay Rs.20,000 for each test.

While tests in 90 cases yielded positive results, the remaining cases were tested negative, she said. The cost-free test, provided to SC-ST communities, was extended to all people belonging to financially backward sections, she said.

She said that more cases testing negative drew the attention of the Commission to the fact that the DNA test could be misused to tarnish the reputation of people. To prevent this, the Commission has decided to seek a written consent from complainants, she said. The Commission has also sought legal opinion in this regard, the member said.

Twenty-four cases came up at the sitting. Nine of them were settled, Ms. Kulsu said.

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