The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the shortage of Forensic Science Labs (FSLs) across the country, emphasizing the critical role these labs play in the criminal justice system. The Court highlighted that the lack of adequate forensic infrastructure significantly hampers the investigation process, leading to delayed justice and wrongful convictions.
Background:
India has been grappling with an acute shortage of Forensic Science Labs, which are essential for the analysis of evidence in criminal investigations. The country currently has a limited number of such labs, most of which are concentrated in a few states, leading to a severe backlog of cases. This deficiency has been identified as a major factor contributing to delays in trials and the inability of law enforcement agencies to efficiently process evidence, ultimately affecting the quality of investigations.
Court’s Rationale:
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court noted that the shortage of forensic facilities undermines the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. It emphasized that proper forensic analysis is crucial for ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and fairly. The Court also pointed out that many cases, particularly in areas involving complex crimes like cybercrimes or sexual offenses, rely heavily on forensic evidence to establish guilt or innocence.
Existing Measures:
In response to the Court’s concerns, the central government and various state authorities have been urged to take immediate steps to improve the infrastructure of forensic labs. Several states have already started initiatives to establish more labs and upgrade existing facilities. However, the pace of development has been slow, and there is a significant gap in the number of labs required to meet the demands of the country’s vast legal system.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s remarks serve as a strong call for immediate action to address the shortage of forensic science labs in India. The Court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for the government to allocate more resources and expedite the establishment and modernization of forensic infrastructure, ensuring the criminal justice system is better equipped to deliver timely and accurate results in investigations and trials.