In a move to rectify the systemic deficiencies in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) of Punjab and Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for the immediate implementation of the comprehensive recommendations proposed by the expert committees. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of an independent directorate for the FSL, headed by a full-time director and an additional director. The restructuring is aimed at enhancing autonomous decision-making and ensuring efficient provision of forensic reports, thereby upholding the fundamental right to speedy trial as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

“This Court directs both the States of Punjab and Haryana to consider the implementation of the recommendations with utmost gravity and urgency, taking all necessary steps to ensure their timely and effective implementation,” Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul said.

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the court on February 29 constituted committees comprising three IAS officers and three IPS officers each for Punjab and Haryana. The committees were charged with the responsibility of identifying the “fundamental administrative and technical causes underlying delays in the preparation and dispatch of the FSL report”.

In addition to the establishment of the independent directorate, the committees called for the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to each division within the FSL. The committees have made it clear that the recommendation will ensure consistency and efficiency of operations, with SOPs aligned to meet minimum performance targets set by central government.

The committees also referred to the need for optimized use of the budget, proposing that the Director of the FSL be endowed with enhanced financial powers to expedite procurement processes to help minimize delays in the preparation of forensic reports and ensure timely justice useful.

Justice Kaul observed that the committees advised prompt facilitation of recruitment processes and temporary employment of short-term contract staff to support smooth operations and address staff shortages.

“To alleviate staff shortage, the committees have recommended prompt facilitation in joining and training of selected candidates. Regular follow-ups with state service commissions and staff selection boards are essential to speed up the recruitment process,” Justice Kaul observed.

To streamline court proceedings, the committees recommended minimizing the physical presence of forensic officers in court, allowing them to provide evidence via video conference.

Recommending infrastructure improvement, the committees called for immediate allocation of adequate land and budget for expansion of FSL facilities, specifying land allocations for both state and regional laboratories in Punjab. Furthermore, training programs for investigating officers have been recommended to improve their ability to effectively identify forensic materials, thereby reducing unnecessary backlogs in filing cases.

The committees also emphasized the priority procurement of essential forensic equipment such as DNA testing kits to strengthen the operational capabilities of the FSL. “To maintain the integrity of FSL reports, all results should be digitally perseverated for eventual verification. To validate accuracy, a protocol for random cross-checking of results by sending samples to other FSLs should also be instituted,” it was suggested.