Despite High Disposal Rate, Hry's Forensic Lab Struggles With Backlog

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) of Haryana remains burdened by a backlog of 18,559 cases despite clearing 21,620 cases in 2024 and maintaining a disposal rate higher than national norms even as it grapples with limited human resources, labs, and equipment, according to official data.

- Pawan Sharma

CHANDIAGARH:

Top government sources say FSL experts and senior police officers on Thursday held a meeting with chief secretary Vivek Joshi and discussed at length the capacity-building steps to deal with the rising caseload of the forensic lab, which is located in Madhuban of Karnal district.

Sources say FSL authorities have been pressing for recruiting senior scientific assistants and scientific assistants, further improving the capacity of the toxicology division, procuring advanced forensic tools, and expansion of mobile units to prevent the backlog from spiraling further.

The FSL's role is crucial in the effective implementation of new criminal laws in the state as the fate of the cases largely rests on forensic evidence.

A senior government functionary said the state government wants to achieve a 100% target of implementing new criminal laws within February, even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked Haryana to ensure 100% implementation of these laws by March 31, 2025.

In December last year, while reviewing the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Haryana, the Union Home Minister directed Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to review the progress of implementation of the three new laws every 15 days and the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police once a week with the officials of all the departments concerned.