Dr. V R Dinkar
Professor & Associate Dean, School of Law,
NMIMS University, Bangalore Campus
Abstract
The forensic scientific evidence is always warranted in criminal investigation and adjudication process. It has been considered as the evidence provided by God when the legal system becomes dark due to the dearth of other direct or circumstantial evidence. Its accuracy and reliability is assured since it is the gift of nature. However, nowadays, due to the human mishandling and the reporting of certain miscarriage of justice cases has reduced its credibility and acceptability in the legal landscape. The question of reliability is the cornerstone of the forensic scientific evidence, which can be improved only through studying the shortcomings and improving the system including the stakeholders involved in it. The detailed research studies conducted on the issues relating to the reliability of the forensic scientific evidence shows that the major shortcoming is the lack of research and ignorance of the stakeholders involved in the system. The neglected attitude of the state in funding and rejuvenating the current system also adds more fuel to the fire. It is high time to change the entire system so as to make the forensic scientific community more useful at least in cases of utmost importance like the rape and murder.
Keywords: Forensic Scientific Evidence, Reliability, Crime Scene Investigation, Chain of Custody, Reforms
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