Punjab and Haryana High Court calls for urgent action to curb forensic delays

In a move to rectify systemic deficiencies within the forensic science laboratories (FSL) of Punjab and Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for immediate implementation of comprehensive recommendations proposed by specialised committees. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of an independent directorate for the FSL to be headed by a full-time director and an additional director.

States told to implement key reforms

This court directs both Punjab and Haryana to consider implementation of the recommendations (proposed by specialised committees) with utmost gravity and urgency, undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee their timely and effective implementation. Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, Punjab and Haryana High Court

The restructuring is aimed at enhancing autonomous decision-making and ensuring efficient delivery of forensic reports, thereby upholding the fundamental right to speedy trial as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution.

“This court directs both Punjab and Haryana to consider implementation of the recommendations with utmost gravity and urgency, undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee their timely and effective implementation,” Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul said.

Recognising the gravity of the issue, the court, on February 29, had constituted committees comprising three IAS and three IPS officers each for both Punjab and Haryana. The committees were entrusted with the responsibility of identifying the “root administrative and technical causes underlying the delays in the preparation and dispatch of FSL reports”.

Besides the establishment of the independent directorate, the committees called for the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to each division within the FSL. The committees made it clear that the recommendation would ensure consistency and efficiency in operations, with the SOPs aligned to meet minimum performance targets established by the Centre.

The committees also referred to the need for optimised budget utilisation, proposing that the FSL Director be endowed with enhanced financial powers to expedite procurement processes to help minimise delays in the preparation of forensic reports and ensuring timely justice.

Justice Kaul observed the committees had advised prompt facilitation of recruitment processes and temporary engagement of contractual personnel on short-term basis to sustain operations without hindrance and address personnel shortages.

“To mitigate staff shortages, the committees have recommended prompt facilitation in the joining and training of selected candidates. Regular follow-ups with state services commissions and staff selection boards are essential to expedite the process of recruitment,” Justice Kaul observed.

For streamlining judicial proceedings, the committees recommended minimising the physical presence of forensic officers in the court by allowing them to provide evidence through videoconferencing.