Role and Impact of Forensic Evidence in the Indian Criminal Justice System

Abstract

“CUILIBET IN ARTE SUA PERITA CREDENDUM EST”- Any skilled person is to be believed in his own art. Since there have been so many significant advances in science and technology throughout the 20th century, it has been dubbed the "era of science." Early in the 20th century, forensic science institutes also emerged in India. The networking of these institutions persisted during the 20th century and became more intense in the 21st. In India, several forensic facilities have been built to expeditiously resolve criminal cases using laboratory and field research and help the criminal justice system. The facilities built, however, have not kept up with the growing volume of criminal cases. There is still work to be done to develop more labour infrastructure as well as equipment, science, and technology to modernise forensics in India. There is still a need for forensics capacity building in India even though attempts are currently being made to develop new manpower, equipment, scientific, and technological infrastructure to modernise forensics in India. The article examines the current legal situation specially Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2025, issues in the justice delivery system, academic and research activities, future directions by the courts, and requirements of forensics in India and discusses them.