Personal Identification is one of the important objectives in forensic investigation on the grounds of
medico-legal context. Identification can be done through different biological traits, but genetic traits
give more precise information in this aspect. It is already established fact that no two individuals are
completely identical and this inter individual variation is more apparent when genetic analysis is made.
It may be case of paternity disputes or identification of victims or culprits involved in any forensic
related issues, could be solved through genetic identification. The application of genetics in the medio
legal context for identification of persons involved in it is referred as Forensic genetics.
In earlier, classical genetic traits have been employed for the same but in the post genomic era, DNA
profiling known as DNA fingerprinting have been used quite extensively. DNA fingerprinting also
popularly known as DNA profiling is a specialized method to analyze, compare and identify multilocus
DNA banding patterns that are specific to an individual by exposing a sample of the person’s DNA to
molecular probes and various analytical techniques (The American Heritage Medical Dictionary,
2004). It was first discovered by Prof. Alec Jeffreys in the year 1984 (http://www2.le.ac.uk/study/why-us/discoveries/the-invention-of-dna-fingerprinting). Biological sample can be collected from different
sources such as buccal swab, blood, saliva, semen any cellular materials and further analysis like DNA
extraction, amplification and genotyping are done. Through DNA profiling, victim identification even
in natural disasters, tragedies such as plane crashes, man-made disasters such terrorist attack or
genocide can be done. It is reported that DNA profiling been rarely used before September 11, 2001
but after the incident of World Trade Centre fall, it becomes an important tool for personal
identification even in the case of missing people (Lewis, 2009). The well publicized case of Congress
veteran leader ND Tiwari can be cited over here (http://www.rediff.com/news/report/n-d-tiwari-s-dnareport-to-be-made-public/20120727.htm). Prior to the arrival of DNA profiling, identification can be
assessed from serological traits blood group etc. As an example, in the case of paternity dispute, the
probable father of an illegitimate child can be found out by comparing the blood groups of mother,
child and suspected father. It is based on the inheritance of blood group as O blood group parents can’t
have A or B blood group child.