Forensics: Why Evidence Matters

Why weak forensic capacity leads to slow investigations and low conviction rates in India, and how the 2024 laws and new forensic institutions aim to fix it.

Good evidence is at the heart of justice.

The problem

India’s conviction rates for many crimes are low.
Cases often depend on witness testimony, which can change or be coerced.
Forensic labs are overloaded, with backlogs of samples lasting months or years.

Why forensics matter

Scientific evidence like DNA, fingerprints and digital records is harder to dispute.
It reduces reliance on confessions, which may be forced.
It speeds up investigations.

Reforms

The 2024 criminal laws made forensic investigation mandatory for offences punishable with seven years or more.
The National Forensic Sciences University (2020) trains experts.
Mobile forensic vans in districts.

Challenges

Shortage of trained experts and labs.
Chain of custody problems that let evidence be challenged.

Economic view

Better forensics raise the certainty of punishment, which research suggests deters crime more than severity.

The DNA backlog

A rape case waits over a year for DNA results from an overloaded state lab, delaying the trial and leaving the victim without justice.

Thinking new laws alone improve convictions

Forensic labs, experts and training are needed too.

Key takeaways

Weak forensics contribute to low conviction rates.
Scientific evidence reduces reliance on confessions.
2024 laws mandate forensics for serious offences.
Labs and experts remain in short supply.