From the starting the role of forensic scientist was crucial but in recent scenario the role has become tremendously expanded and important. Recently, three Bill were introduced in Lok Sabha on 11th August 2023, Bhartiya Nyay Sahita 2023, Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sahita and Bhartiya Sakshya Sahita 2023. On 24th February 2024, Government of India notified these bills and these bills will come in effect from first July 2024. Many offences which were not considered punishable before are now consider as a punishable offense. The purpose of this editorial note is to address the issue of relevance, reliability and credibility of forensic report based on scientific examination.
The unexpected turn in the adaptation of society towards modernization brought many challenges to the thinking behaviour of society and cases of various types of organised crimes have exponentially enhanced. The citizens using modern technologies are also vulnerable to various kinds of crimes from organised to unorganised crimes.
In past decades there has been rapid growth of internet-based technologies and their application in all kinds of field which has resulted in faster global connectivity of people. This also has created more vulnerability towards cybercrime. Influx of cases are increased in receiving by the laboratory for forensic examination and opinion which is actually going to enhance in more numbers after enactment of new laws. This is a big challenge for the forensic scientist how to meet the demand and need of the hour.
Forensic science examination conducted and reports concluded by forensic expert either manual or instrument-based must be reflected with relevance and reliable source of evidence for criminal justice system. Thus, the role of forensic scientist has now become more important and responsible for evidential proofs. Repeatability and reproducibility are measures for confirmation of results in forensic examination of any crime exhibits. The term reliability refers in broader aspects to the reproducibility of the results. If two different experts on same scientific parameter with same instrument and same sets of exhibits are being come on final same conclusion. The results will definitely more reliable.
The responsibility of Forensic Scientists becomes very important to ensure the faith in criminal justice System. They ensure use of the latest, advanced methods and instruments for analysing evidences from crime Scenes for evidential proof of criminal consequences . Forensic scientists are essential in ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system by providing objective, scientifically sound analyses that can confirm or refute evidence presented in criminal cases.
The Government of India and Directorate of Forensic science services, MHA, New Delhi are collectively working towards the strengthening the forensic infrastructure, capacity building of forensic scientist to meet the requirement of future challenges. Such efforts require very substantial resources and perfect coordination in between responsible authorities to continue and accelerate the critical endeavours.
