Will Aid In Early Disposal Of Criminal Trials: Madhya Pradesh High Court Approves Establishment Of National Forensics Science University

The Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has approved and ratified the sub-committee's recommendations for the establishment of the National Forensics Sciences University [NFSU].

Justice Anand Pathak observed that it is expected that the move will aid in early disposal of criminal trials which are long pending due to delay in preparation of DNA reports, etc.

"It is expected that regular training programmes and workshops would be conducted to upgrade the skills of Police Officers, Public Prosecutors/Advocates and Judges so that Administration of Justice may improve," the Judge added.

Background

In a bail application, where the DNA report was prepared and submitted in more than a year, the Court had constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) along with Principal Secretary of Law and Director General of Police as members to look into the matter for taking inputs on best practices from the concerned Universities/Institutions to set up a National Forensic Sciences University in State of Madhya Pradesh.

The sub-committee consisted of Director, Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Sagar, Additional Director General Cyber Crime, Additional Advocate General, Gwalior Shri Ankur Mody, Deputy Secretary (Law), Deputy Secretary (Home), and one Senior Professor from Higher Education Department/Medical Education Department constituted to visit the State Forensic Sciences University, Gandhi Nagar (and any other Institution of repute).

'Rule of Law' cannot be at mercy of archaic method of investigation, the High Court had earlier said expressing concern over government's myopic approach in establishing Forensic Sciences University

The sub-committee submitted its report recommending the allotment of 50 acres of land for the establishment of NFSU. The same was appreciated and approved by the Court.

Findings

Other than approving the establishment of NFSU, the Court granted bail to the accused in the pending bail application subject to conditions. It observed,

"So far as the present case is concerned, the applicant has been suffering confinement since 21-08-2019, and material prosecution witnesses have been examined, including prosecutrix and her parents, and they did not support the story of prosecution and declared hostile. Therefore, the possibility of tampering with the evidence/witness is remote. Earlier, this Court granted interim bail to the applicant for 45 days, and the applicant did not misuse the liberty and surrendered before the trial Court within time."

Case Title: Bharat Jatav v. The State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors.

Click Here To Download The Order

Read The Order