Forensic Science in India: Role in Legal System & Evidence Handling

You’ve probably heard of forensic science in crime shows... but do you know how it really works?

It’s not just lab coats and microscopes—it’s the reason many crimes finally get solved. Most people don’t realize how powerful forensic science actually is. So if you're even a little curious, buckle up. You're about to discover some seriously cool stuff.

Forensic science in general terms refers to use of scientific knowledge and techniques to help criminal justice system. Forensic science connects suspects to crimes by means of scientific methods or extricate innocents. Forensic science plays a crucial role in the legal system by providing scientific analysis and evidence that can be used in criminal and civil cases.

Beginning from 1897 with establishment of India’s first fingerprint bureau in Kolkata (which become operational in 1904) by two officers namely Azizul Haque and Hem Chandra Bose, the rise of Forensic science began in India. Since then, Forensic science is widely used for delivering justice. The India’s forensic establishment consists of 7 central forensic laboratories along with numerous state forensic laboratories, state fingerprint bureaus, DNA fingerprinting labs, regional forensic labs and mobile forensic units.

Key Takeaways:

• Forensic science connects scientific evidence with justice.

• Plays a critical role in crime scene analysis, evidence processing, and courtroom testimony.

• New laws in India have made forensic investigation mandatory in major criminal cases.

• India needs more trained forensic experts and better-equipped labs for smoother justice delivery.

If we talk about current period, the Forensic is not just a science. It also comprises of other disciplines like arts, commerce, engineering etc. The major branches of forensic science include the following techniques:

o Forensic Biology: The forensic biology uses the standard biological methods to identify individual through analysis of biological trace evidence available at crime scene. It includes identification through body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, urine etc. and other materials like hair, skin samples, diatoms etc.

o Forensic Odontology: Forensic odontology uses the dental records such as jawline alignment, teeth, general mouth structure etc. to identify individuals. In cases like sexual assault or rapes the bite marks are crucial evidence to identify individuals. And in cases like mass disaster, or cases where body is decomposed then the identity can be established by forensic odontology.

o Forensic Toxicology: Toxicology analyses the biological samples like blood, stomach and its contents, liver, spleen etc. To look for any medicine or toxic substance to identify cause of death. Sometimes it helps to identify whether person has consumed exceeded amount of drug than allowable. This is one of the most evolving fields because more advanced drug variations are being created day by day.

o Forensic Anthropology: The forensic anthropology uses the examination of skeletal remains for identification of individual through age, gender, race etc. The injury marks (if present) on skeletal remains sometimes helps to determine cause of death and bones helpful in identifying the approximate time of death.

o Forensic Medicine: This field uses medical knowledge for the purpose of law. Main duty of forensic medicine expert (generally called pathologist) is to conduct autopsy of dead body to determine cause of death, mode of death, time and to examine injuries and wounds. Forensic pathologist also conducts examination of internal organs to find any toxic or poisonous material. The forensic experts determine the degree of assault in rapes and sexual assault cases.

o Forensic Document Examination: The Forensic document examiner conducts analysis of documents whose authenticity is questioned. This field includes handwriting analysis, signature examination, typewritten document analysis, ink analysis etc to establish genuineness of documents or handwriting. The forensic expert use wide range of techniques to examine over writings, alterations in documents.

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o Digital Forensics: Digital forensics science is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices related to cybercrime. Digital forensics includes computer or mobile forensics, deals with investigating and recovering digital evidence from electronic devices and networks.

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o Audio-Video Forensic: Audio Forensics is the branch of multimedia forensics that deals with the acquisition, analysis, and evaluation of sound recordings that may ultimately be presented as admissible evidence in a court of law, the audio forensic expert evaluates the recordings, check its authenticity, comparison etc.

Video Forensics is also a branch of multimedia forensics that deals with evaluation, examination and enhancement of video footage in legal matters. Videos are another crucial type of digital media in multimedia forensics. Forensic analysis of video involves examining video files, determine origin, detect tampering or editing, and extract relevant information.

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o DNA: DNA fingerprinting is the most advanced and most used technique for identification of an individual these days. Experts use biological samples from crime scene to extract DNA and each sample has unique DNA fingerprint. This technique helps to identify individual by his DNA makeup. In recent times another technology called touch DNA also evolved which can collect DNA from where a person touches or comes in contact.

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o Narcotics: This branch uses chemical-based tests to identify narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances collected from crime scenes or raids. Experts in this field work to detect even trace amounts of illegal substances. Their findings play a crucial role in cracking down on drug-related crimes and supporting legal proceedings.

o Ballistics: Forensic ballistics is a branch of forensic science that applies forensic principles to study bullets and firearms. It involves analysis of toolmarks, bullets, bullet shells, firearms to establish connection between bullet and firearms. The forensic ballistics also include examination of gunshot residue to determine range of fire.

o Psychology: Forensic psychology is a field that combines the practice of psychology and the law by utilizing psychological expertise. Forensic psychology may encompass evaluating competency to stand trial, making sentencing recommendations, offering expert testimony, performing child custody evaluations, participating in jury selection, and providing psychotherapy to criminal offenders. The new psychological techniques like brain mapping and polygraph test are also conducted to interview witnesses or suspects. A technique called criminal profiling is based on the psychology of the offender. Based on his modus operandi the forensic psychologists make a profile of offender which helps police in investigation.

o Fingerprints: Fingerprint analysis involves comparing chance prints with suspected prints to identify suspects. It helps investigators to link one crime to another crime if same person is involved. Fingerprint identification also helps investigators to track a criminal record, previous arrest or convictions.

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Role of Forensic science in Legal System

1. Crime Scene Investigation:

The first and most important phase in any investigation. In crime scene investigation the experts systematically examine crime scene and collect crucial evidence and document them. The crime scene investigation has various types of search methods (ex. Zonal method, Strip method, Grid method, Spiral method etc.) which are used to search crime scene to collect evidence. The experts identify and collect various types of evidence like biological samples, weapons, fingerprints, footprints for further examination. The main objective of this phase is to maintain chain of custody and integrity of evidence. After collection of evidence the crime scene investigators conduct the crime scene reconstruction to understand the sequences of events and circumstances regarding offence.

Recently after the scraping of old laws IPC, CrPC and IEA, the new law Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (previously CrPC) states that forensic investigation is now mandatory for offences punishable by at least seven years of imprisonment, ensuring that forensic experts collect and record evidence at crime scenes. If a state lacks a forensics facility, it shall use the facility in another state.

2. Identification and analysis of evidence:

Forensic evidence once collected are forwarded to forensic laboratories, analysis and individualization of forensic evidence play a very crucial role in criminal justice system. The scientific reports enable law enforcement authority to link accused with crime precisely. The precision and reliability of these methods contribute significantly to building strong cases within courts. By examining the biological and physical evidence experts help in increased conviction rate and to relieve the innocent. The intersection of technology and forensic expertise in identification and individualization underscores the transformative impact of forensic science on investigative processes within the criminal justice system. The forensic pathologists conduct autopsies to determine time, cause and mode of death of deceased. By examining the internal organs, tissues, injuries, wounds etc. they determine the cause of death. In cases of suspected poisoning, they carry out examination of internal organs to find the toxic substances. 

The experts use advanced techniques and equipment's to test evidence and provide report. The advanced techniques like DNA profiling, automated fingerprint identification system, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, HPLC, superimposition helps to analyze evidence accurately.

3. Expert witness:

According to newly introduced laws under section 39 of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – Opinions of Third Persons When Relevant: This section establishes that when the court needs to form an opinion on matters like foreign law, science, art, identity verification, or handwriting and fingerprint impressions, the opinions of individuals especially skilled in those respective fields are considered relevant.

According to laws a person who is qualified, experienced and recognized by courts are called expert witness! He should have the adequate knowledge, experience, training and expertise over that subject to be called as the expert. The reports provided by experts in courts are considered as relevant only when he provides expert opinion in courts, and expert opinions must sustain in cross-examination.

It is very important phase of criminal justice system due to the fact that experts have to present their findings before court and juries. The expert needs to express his complex scientific principles into easier and more understandable way to help the legal system. The integrity of expert opinion is a very important because it determines the outcome of the case.

4. Research and development:

Forensic science is a dynamic field, with rise in technology and science the criminals are also finding more and more methods to commit offences and escape from law. So, it is duty of forensic experts to be one step ahead of offenders to ensure the smooth functioning of legal system. The forensic professional always tries to conduct research on new technologies and methods that are developed in forensic science and other scientific techniques that can be used in forensic field. The focus should be on to improve analytical techniques and enhance the accuracy of current technologies.

Another major problem nowadays is the rise of digital equipment's which eventually given rise to digital and cybercrimes. The forensic experts are required to be well familiar with modern devices and their potential threats. So, the experts must ensure they have all the necessary tools and techniques to be in toe to toe with modern day offenders.

Challenges Faced by Forensic Science in India

As a scientific method the forensics is a gift to legal system, on the other hand it has some flaws or shortcomings. Justice system needs to overcome these flaws to ensure justice is served. There is a need to see that the investigative agencies have adequate knowledge of forensic as they are the first to approach a crime scene. It needs to be noted that our forensic laboratories are understaffed and that is the reason why many cases are still pending in courts due to lack of forensic evidence. The authority needs to look after this to ensure smooth running of criminal justice system.

Along with that the police officials are required to provide crucial and basic forensic training to conduct crime scene investigation because in much cases evidence are lost due to improper handling. Recently the Karnataka government appointed scene of crime officers to collect evidence from crime scenes. The union home minister announced that India needs approximately 90,000 forensic experts in 5 years to visit crime scenes and collect forensic evidence.

Conclusion

Forensic science has very vast scope in context of Indian legal system. There is a saying that ‘1000 culprits can escape but one innocent should not be punished’. Forensic science ensures that culprits will be punished, and innocents will be relived. The role of forensic in legal system is to convict the offender and release innocents. Forensic science is helpful in transparent and legal judicial system it enhances the legal system by guaranteeing that judgments are rendered with a complete awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the available evidence. Minimizing these errors also depends on strict quality controls and ongoing advancements in forensic procedures, thereby enhancing the credibility and accuracy of forensic results.

Forensic science is the backbone of modern justice, to ensure timely and fair judgments, India must invest in training, lab infrastructure, and forensic literacy among law enforcement. With forensic investigation now mandatory in serious crimes, it’s time for India to strengthen this scientific pillar of its justice system.

Source – Internet

1. What is forensic science?

 Forensic science is the application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and assist the legal system by analyzing evidence.

2. How did forensic science begin in India?

It began with the establishment of India’s first fingerprint bureau in Kolkata in 1897, which became operational in 1904.

3. What are the major branches of forensic science?

Some key branches include:

• Forensic Biology

• Forensic Toxicology

• Digital Forensics

• DNA Fingerprinting

• Forensic Document Examination

• Forensic Psychology

• Ballistics

• Narcotics Analysis

• Forensic Odontology

• Audio-Video Forensics

• Forensic Anthropology

• Fingerprint Analysis

4. Why is forensic science important in the legal system?

It helps in solving crimes by linking suspects to crime scenes, providing scientific testimony in court, and ensuring that innocent people are not wrongfully punished.

5. Are forensic investigations now mandatory in India?

Yes, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), forensic investigation is mandatory for crimes punishable by 7 years or more.

6. What does a forensic expert do at a crime scene?

They collect, preserve, and document evidence, reconstruct the crime scene, and ensure chain of custody is maintained.

7. What is an expert witness in forensic science?

An expert witness is a qualified forensic professional who provides their opinion in court based on scientific analysis of evidence.

8. What are the challenges faced by forensic science in India?

• Shortage of trained forensic experts

• Under-equipped forensic labs

• Delay in evidence processing

• Lack of forensic awareness among investigating officers

9. How many forensic experts does India need?

According to the Union Home Minister, India requires around 90,000 forensic experts in the next five years.

10. Can forensic science be used in civil cases too?

Yes, forensic science is used in both criminal and civil cases, including document verification, DNA paternity testing, and fraud investigations.

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