The two-day National Meet of the Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories concluded at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh today, May 24, 2025. The meet focused on aligning forensic services with India’s newly enacted criminal laws to build a justice system that is fast, transparent, and rooted in scientific evidence.
Organized under the theme “Strengthening Forensic Science Services as per the New Criminal Laws”, the event brought together CFSL and State FSL Directors, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and experts from law enforcement and academia.
The event was attended by the Directors of CFSLs and State FSLs from across the country, as well as key officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies. The meet aimed to strengthen the forensic ecosystem to support the implementation of the new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
“India is entering a new era of justice where scientific evidence and forensic expertise are pivotal to ensuring transparency, speed, and accuracy in investigations”Addressing the Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories and other stakeholders at the valedictory session of the two-day Meet, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who was the Chief Guest for the valedictory session, said that with the introduction of three new criminal laws, India is entering a new era of justice where scientific evidence and forensic expertise are pivotal to ensuring transparency, speed, and accuracy in investigations.
The Minister said that the Government of India is fully committed to establishing modern forensic laboratories in every district. “Under the recently approved National Forensic Infrastructure Scheme (NAFIS), an amount of ₹ 2,254.40 crore will be invested to build and upgrade forensic facilities, train personnel, enhance research, and develop indigenous technology to make India self-reliant in forensic science. We aim to ensure mandatory forensic investigation in all crimes involving punishment of more than seven years, and align the criminal justice system with technology-driven evidence collection and analysis.”
The Minister said that the four pillars of this transformation will be infrastructure development, Skilled human resources, Technological upgradation (AI, machine learning, national data networks) and standardization through SOPs and integration with systems like ICGS and CCTNS.
“Forensic Science is Now Central to the Justice System”
In his inaugural address, Dr. S.K. Jain, Director and Chief Forensic Scientist, the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, emphasized the transformative role of forensic science in the context of the new criminal codes: “Forensic science is no longer just a supporting tool — it is now at the heart of crime investigation and justice delivery.
The new legal framework mandates our active role in ensuring credible, speedy, and scientific justice.”Dr. Jain called for greater inter-agency coordination, investment in training, and adoption of advanced technologies to meet the demands of the reformed justice system.
“Chandigarh Demonstrates National Readiness”
SSP Chandigarh, Ms. Kamaljeet Kaur, highlighted the city’s proactive efforts in implementation of three new criminal laws and said that Chandigarh took a lead role in the rollout of the new criminal laws by ensuring 100% training across all five verticals—Police, Prosecution, Judiciary, Prisons, and Forensics—well before the national deadline. “
We issued all required SOPs and Government Orders on time and achieved complete system integration, enabling us to implement the new codes smoothly and efficiently.”She noted that Chandigarh’s robust digital integration through Nyay Setu and Nyay Shruti has supported a 95% conviction rate in cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“Forensic Science is Powerful when it’s Simple and Practical”
Director, CFSL Chandigarh, Dr. Sukhminder Kaur, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation, noting that forensic science is the backbone of modern criminal investigation. She emphasized the value of scientific clarity. “The brilliance of forensic science lies in its simplicity, speed, and practical application. Collaboration and innovation must guide us in building a justice system based on evidence and integrity.”
Chandigarh has emerged as a national model in implementing the new criminal laws. On December 3, 2024, the Prime Minister of India dedicated the three new criminal laws to the nation from Chandigarh. The city has achieved a 95% conviction rate in BNS-registered cases, supported by robust forensic infrastructure and digital integration through platforms such as Nyay Setu and Nyay Shruti, developed in collaboration with NIC, NCRB, and BPR&D.
Discussions and Outcomes
During the meet, Directors of State FSLs held in-depth discussions on the following key focus areas:
• Modernization of forensic infrastructure
• Human resource and capacity building
• Quality control and assurance and SOP compliance
• Integration of ICGS
• Utilization of central schemes
• Crime scene management protocols
• Timely delivery of forensic reports
The meet concluded with a unanimous pledge to make forensic science the bedrock of India’s reformed criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly, fairly, and scientifically.
Also read:
• Two-day National Meet of Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories to be held in Chandigarh
• Directors of Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories Meet in Chandigarh to Strengthen Forensic Science Services as per New Criminal Laws