Earlier this month, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the Criminal Procedure Code, significantly increasing the demand for forensic expertise in Delhi. As a result, the workload for the city’s forensic experts has risen sharply. Recognizing the urgent need to address this surge, the Delhi government has launched initiatives to strengthen its forensic science capabilities. Officials have confirmed that over a hundred new scientific experts will be recruited to support the forensic science laboratory.
This recruitment drive aims to ensure timely and accurate analysis of evidence, which is crucial for solving crimes efficiently. The addition of these experts will enhance the laboratory’s ability to handle the growing volume of forensic cases, ranging from DNA analysis to digital forensics. It will also enable the lab to adopt advanced technologies and methodologies, further improving the quality and speed of investigations.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to modernising law enforcement and ensuring justice is served swiftly. With the BNSS emphasising the importance of scientific evidence in criminal investigations, bolstering the forensic team is a critical step towards achieving this goal. The enhanced forensic infrastructure will not only support ongoing investigations but also help in reducing the backlog of cases, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Delhi.
A representative from Delhi’s home department announced that the current forensic science laboratory staff, which includes 100 professionals, will be expanded to over 250 members. This expansion aims to meet the heightened demand for forensic investigations brought about by the new legislation.
The new hires will include specialists in various fields such as ballistics, cyber forensics, computer forensics, photography, chemistry, and physics. These experts will be initially employed on a contractual basis, while the development of recruitment rules for permanent positions is underway. This diverse team of specialists will enhance the lab’s ability to conduct comprehensive and accurate forensic investigations, crucial for solving crimes under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The government’s commitment to increasing the lab’s capacity reflects a proactive approach to adapting to the new legal requirements and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of crime investigations in Delhi.
According to the official, efforts are underway to fast-track the hiring and training of new forensic experts. The objective is to have the three new laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—implemented in Delhi before August 15. This accelerated process aims to ensure that the forensic science laboratory is adequately staffed and prepared to handle the increased workload resulting from the new legislation. By bolstering the team with specialised experts, the government seeks to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of forensic investigations, thereby improving the overall criminal justice system in the capital.
Forensic officers will act as first responders at crime scenes, aiding investigators by gathering critical evidence for securing convictions. Their tasks will include thorough searches and detailed photography and videography of the site to ensure all evidence is collected.
The BNSS mandates forensic examination for crimes punishable by seven or more years of imprisonment, significantly increasing the workload for forensic professionals. Officials predict over 80,000 cases, including murders, attempted murders, dacoity, narcotics trade, smuggling, and other organised crimes, will be investigated annually. This surge in cases underscores the importance of expanding the forensic team to meet the new demands.
Another official noted that the new law mandates the presence of forensic teams at crime scenes where sentences could exceed seven years. Previously, the use of videography was optional, left to the discretion of the investigating officer. Now, comprehensive videography from multiple angles is compulsory to ensure thorough documentation for court proceedings. Although this process is time-consuming, it enhances the quality of investigations. The increased frequency of crime scene visits and the volume of samples and exhibits to be analysed will further elevate the workload for forensic experts.
As Delhi gears up to implement these significant changes, bolstering its forensic capabilities becomes a crucial step in improving the efficiency and precision of crime investigations under the new legal framework. The enhancement of the forensic team will ensure that thorough and meticulous evidence collection is conducted at crime scenes, which is vital for securing convictions. This reinforcement will enable the forensic science laboratory to handle the increased workload, ensuring that all cases, especially those involving severe crimes, are investigated comprehensively. By investing in forensic expertise, Delhi is strengthening its criminal justice system, aligning it with the new regulations to ensure better outcomes in crime resolution.
