Allahabad HC flags shortage of forensic labs in UP, seeks FSL director’s reply

The Lucknow bench notes that Uttar Pradesh has only one state FSL and 12 regional forensic laboratories

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court has expressed concern over the shortage of forensic science laboratories in Uttar Pradesh, observing that the existing infrastructure is inadequate considering the state’s size and population.

The matter will be taken up for the next hearing in the week commencing November 30.

The court has also instructed the director of UP Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to file a detailed reply within four weeks. A division bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra made the observation while hearing a PIL petition filed by advocate Piyush Gupta. The court noted that Uttar Pradesh has only one state FSL and 12 regional forensic laboratories.

The order was passed on October 24 and uploaded recently. The PIL seeks directions to the state government to frame and notify a standard operating procedure, prescribing maximum timelines for forensic examinations and submission of reports from the date samples are received by laboratories.

It also seeks priority for cases involving accused persons in judicial custody and time-bound procedures for cases covered under Section 193(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita which mandates that investigations into specified sexual offences must be completed within two months.

The petition argues that delays in forensic reports can adversely affect trials involving undertrial prisoners and hamper prosecution in serious offences, including rape and murder. Delayed scientific evidence can also prolong the wait for justice for victims and their families, it said.

During the hearing, the petitioner referred to data on forensic laboratories across various states cited in the Union home ministry’s reply to the Lok Sabha. The matter will be taken up for the next hearing in the week commencing November 30.