File action plan for upgrading forensic labs: HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab Home Secretary to file a comprehensive action plan for upgrading forensic science laboratories across the state. Referring to delays in criminal investigations due to the lack of equipment for analysing crucial evidence, the court emphasised the infringement of the accused person’s right to liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil gave the direction during the hearing of multiple petitions, including a case where the investigation was stalled due to the absence of tools required to verify the genuineness of CCTV footage.

An affidavit filed by Director of Mohali Forensic Science Laboratory Dr Ashwani Kalia indicated that none of the state’s forensic labs, including regional facilities at Bathinda, Amritsar and Ludhiana were equipped to authenticate video evidence.

The court ordered the Home Secretary to submit a detailed affidavit within two weeks, outlining a clear schedule and action plan for upgrading the FSL at Mohali and the three regional labs.