The Calcutta High Court has stirred the waters by directing the Central government to designate the National Institute of Bio Medical Generics (NIBMG) as a Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
With Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Gaurang Kanth at the helm, the bench emphasized the strain BNSS mandates will impose on forensic labs nationwide. The recent overhaul of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates forensic scrutiny for crime scenes, escalating demands on existing labs.
“Section 176(3) of BNSS compels forensic examination for severe crimes, piling pressure on both Central and State Forensic Laboratories to process samples, especially for DNA analysis. NIBMG stands as a frontrunner in human DNA research, equipped with the infrastructure and expertise necessary for forensic analysis,” remarked the Court.
Acknowledging NIBMG’s potential, the Court urged its notification as a CFSL, noting its alignment with the Central government eliminates legal hurdles. This move aims to fortify the forensic landscape, ensuring precise and expedient DNA analyses in criminal investigations.
A Union of India report underscored the integration of cutting-edge forensic techniques, vital for thorough investigations. The Court stressed DNA analysis as a legal necessity in rape cases for offender identification.
Representing the petitioners were Advocates Imtiaz Ahmed, Ghazala Firdous, Mofakkerul Islam, Smita Saha, Sk Sahidullah, Mithun Mondal, and Md. Arsalan. Advocates Debasish Roy and RD Nandy stood for the State, while Sourav Chatterjee and Anish Kumar Mukherjee appeared for the Centre.
