New Criminal Laws – Forensic Infrastructure Revolution

Core Update

Home Minister chaired a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), announcing ambitious targets for forensic modernization to deliver time-bound justice (FIR to Supreme Court within 3 years by 2029).

What is the Reform About?

The new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) introduced in July 2024 are being supported by a massive forensic infrastructure overhaul to ensure evidence-based, time-bound justice delivery.

Key Features

• Target: Complete judicial process from FIR to Supreme Court within 3 years by 2029
• Mobile Forensic Labs: Increased from 0 in 2021 to 1,000 in 2025
• Investment: ₹30,000 crore over 5 years for forensic lab network across India
• NFSU Expansion: 14 campuses, 100% placement, 46 patents (30 in 2024), target 35,000 students by 2029
• CFSLs: 7 existing + 8 new Central Forensic Science Laboratories to be established

Major Digital Reforms

Why it Matters

• Chain of Custody Reform: Forensic labs now send reports directly to courts (copy to police), ensuring evidence integrity
• Videography Mandate: Seizure videography prevents false allegations against police
• Reducing Grey Areas: Clear definitions of cybercrime, organized crime, terrorism, digital fraud
• Trial In Absentia: Curbs tendency of accused fleeing the country
• e-FIR/Zero FIR: Major relief for poor and women

UPSC Relevance

• GS-II: Judiciary; Criminal Justice Reform; E-Governance
• GS-III: Internal Security; Role of Technology in Governance

Prelims Trap Alert

⚠️ Under new laws, forensic labs send reports DIRECTLY to courts (with copy to police). This is the REVERSE of the earlier system where police submitted reports.

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