India Enters New Era of Justice with Scientific Evidence and Forensic Expertise, Says MoS Home Affairs

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, highlighted the significance of three new criminal laws in India. These laws mark a shift towards justice that relies on scientific evidence and forensic expertise. He addressed directors from central and state forensic science laboratories during a two-day meeting's closing session.

The Government of India is committed to establishing modern forensic labs across districts. Under the National Forensic Infrastructure Scheme (NAFIS), Rs 2,254.40 crore will be allocated to enhance forensic facilities, train personnel, and develop indigenous technology. This initiative aims to make India self-reliant in forensic science.

Focus on Forensic Science Services

The national meet aimed to align forensic services with India's new criminal laws. The goal is to create a justice system that is fast, transparent, and based on scientific evidence. An official statement noted the event's focus on strengthening forensic science services as per the new criminal laws.

Participants included CFSL and state FSL directors, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and experts from law enforcement and academia. The event aimed to bolster the forensic ecosystem to support the implementation of new criminal laws like Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

The minister outlined four pillars for this transformation: infrastructure development, skilled human resources, technological upgrades including AI and machine learning, and standardisation through SOPs. Integration with systems like ICGS and CCTNS is also crucial.

Dr SK Jain, director and chief forensic scientist at DFSS, Ministry of Home Affairs, spoke about the transformative role of forensic science under the new criminal codes. Dr Sukhminder Kaur, Director of CFSL Chandigarh, stressed collaboration and innovation in modern criminal investigations.

Chandigarh has become a national model for implementing these new laws. On December 3, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated these three new criminal laws to the nation from Chandigarh.

The minister emphasised mandatory forensic investigation for crimes punishable by more than seven years. This aligns the criminal justice system with technology-driven evidence collection and analysis.

The two-day national meet concluded at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). It was organised under the theme "Strengthening Forensic Science Services as per the New Criminal Laws."

With inputs from PTI