THE ROLE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN INDIA; EVALUATING THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF CRIMINALS IN INDIA

The Indian criminal justice system has faced huge challenges including massive case backlogs and judicial delays revolving around under-resourced police force, poor forensic infrastructure, low conviction rates, witness intimidation, custodial torture, political interference, lack of police reform, ineffective prosecution, outdated laws, and systemic bias against marginalized groups, wherein many undertrials are languishing in jail due to slow bail processes. To address these challenges, particularly the criminal justice in India, there is a need for imploring forensic science in criminal justice by providing objective scientific evidence like DNA, fingerprints and digital data to identify perpetrators, establish facts, link suspects to crimes and verify timelines, this offers an unbiased foundation for justice and ensures that convictions are based on proof rather than mere speculations. This process helps to exonerate the innocent, bridge law enforcement and the judiciary for accurate case resolution. It has been proven that the criminal justice system in India has shown progress since the inclusion of forensic science and has aided criminal investigations although there are some challenges like underutilization, resource gap, and training of law enforcement officials and criminal investigators, which have hindered its full potential for accuracy in convictions and exonerations. The increasing use of DNA, digital forensics, and fingerprints in high-profile cases shows the growing importance and impact on securing convictions. By addressing these systemic gaps, forensic science can move from a useful tool to a foundational element that can significantly improve the precision and fairness of India’s criminal justice system. When it is introduced as a fundamental element of the justice system, not only accessible to the high-profile cases but also to all cases invoking its essence for fairness and justice to all people.