Chandigarh, May 23, 2025

A two-day National Meet of the Directors of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL’s) commenced at CFSL, Chandigarh, today, May 23, 2025. The subject of this meet is “Strengthening of Forensic Science Services as per the New Criminal Laws”.

ADGP and Founder Director of the UP State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS), Lucknow, Dr. GK Goswami, was the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. Director, Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI), Ms. Rani Bindu Sharma; SP (Operations), Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal; and Chief Forensic Scientist, DFSS, MHA, Dr. S.K. Jain, were also present at the inaugural session, besides Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories from across the country.

“This is the time from evolution to revolution”

Addressing the forensic science community, Dr. GK Goswami, IPS; ADGP and Founder Director of the UP State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS) stated that this is the era of forensic science, as earlier it was the choice of the police to collect the forensic evidence and include the forensic scientists in their investigation but that now it has become mandatory. He emphasised on section 176 (3) of BNSS wherein SHO will have to mandatorily direct and request the forensic expert to visit the scene of crime, so that there is no case for misinterpretation or tampering of evidence. He said that it is a revolutionary step, for which a big quantum of budget has also been allocated. “This is the time from evolution to revolution. The government has done its job, now it is our time and opportunity to capitalise on this”, he stated.

Dr. Goswami quoted John Stuart Mill saying that the end goal of the society is greatest happiness of the greatest number. He stated that according to him, the means to achieve it is by delivering justice, which he said is the ultimate value. “Further, for delivering Justice, there is a need for integration, interdisciplinary approach and integrity.”

 

“Forensic Scientists should understand the role of police in crime investigation and vice versa”

Ms. Rani Bindu Sharma, Director, Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI), underscored the importance of synergy between police and scientific investigators. She said that the Investigators have been relying on scientific evidence from time immemorial. As tools developed, the importance of scientific evidence collection increased. “A big role has been given to forensic science in the new criminal laws and it has been given its due importance. If we work together, we will be able to achieve the desired results. The setup required to implement the new laws will be available in all the forensic science laboratories”, she said.

“Forensic science has become a key pillar in uncovering crimes”

In his welcome address, Chief Forensic Scientist of DFSS, MHA, DR S.K. Jain said that the Directors’ meet was being held at a historic point as the government of India had enacted the three new criminal laws, as a result of which the criminal justice system was undergoing a significant transformation. He further said that under the new laws, forensic science has become a key pillar in uncovering crimes. “Under section 176 (3) in the BNSS, evidence collection has been made as a fundamental requirement, needing us to enhance capabilities in narcotics and other areas. Presence of Forensic experts has also been made mandatory in evidence collection of crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than seven years”, he stated. Dr. Jain said that this meeting aimed to develop a systematic and coordinated action plan for forensic science services. He encouraged all the participants to work together to make Forensic science the backbone of India's criminal justice system.

Platform for successful implementation of three new criminal laws

Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, SP (Operations), Chandigarh taking the conversation forward, said that this event will be fruitful as it will provide a platform where we can discuss and shape the future for the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws.

The two-day conference aims to lay a robust foundation for the forensic framework needed to uphold justice under India's reformed criminal justice system.

Press Release in Hindi please click here.

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