Application Of Forensic Science In Criminal Trials
⚖️ DETAILED EXPLANATION: APPLICATION OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS
Forensic science is used in multiple forms such as:
DNA analysis
Fingerprints and palm prints
Ballistics (firearms and ammunition)
Toxicology (poison detection)
Serology (blood and body fluids)
Handwriting and document examination
Digital forensics
Odontology (bite marks and dental records)
It helps in:
Identifying the accused or victim
Linking evidence to the crime scene
Disproving or confirming alibis
Corroborating witness testimonies
Establishing cause, time, and manner of death
Let’s now understand its practical impact through case laws.
📌 CASE 1: State of Maharashtra v. Damu (2000) 6 SCC 269
📍 FACTS:
In this case, two victims were kidnapped for ransom and later found murdered. The accused were arrested, and the prosecution's case relied heavily on DNA profiling and hair sample analysis.
🔬 FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
Hair samples found in the vehicle used for kidnapping matched the victims.
Blood stains in the vehicle and the accused’s clothes matched the blood group of the deceased.
DNA analysis established the identity of the victims beyond doubt.
⚖️ VERDICT:
The Supreme Court held that DNA evidence is admissible and has high probative value. The court upheld the conviction based on this conclusive scientific proof.
📌 CASE 2: State of Uttar Pradesh v. Rajesh Gautam (2003) 3 SCC 339
📍 FACTS:
The accused was charged with the brutal murder of a family, including children. The prosecution used forensic techniques to establish his involvement.
🔬 FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
Blood stains on the accused's clothes matched with that of the victims.
Serological reports proved the presence of the same blood group as that of the deceased.
Footprints at the crime scene matched the footwear size of the accused.
⚖️ VERDICT:
The court emphasized that forensic evidence like blood group matching and serology can corroborate circumstantial evidence. The conviction was upheld, relying partly on the forensic support.
📌 CASE 3: Nirbhaya Rape Case – Mukesh & Anr. v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2017) 6 SCC 1
📍 FACTS:
The infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape involved the brutal assault and rape of a young woman, who later died of injuries.
🔬 FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
DNA profiling of semen samples found in the victim matched the accused.
Bite mark analysis confirmed the involvement of a specific accused.
Clothing fibers and fingerprints were recovered from the bus and corroborated testimonies.
The post-mortem report gave vital details on the nature and cause of injuries.
⚖️ VERDICT:
The Supreme Court highlighted the pivotal role of forensic science in providing accurate and unbiased evidence. The court sentenced the accused to death, referring to the "rarest of rare" doctrine.
📌 CASE 4: Tandoor Murder Case – Sushil Sharma v. State (Delhi Administration) (2014)
📍 FACTS:
Sushil Sharma, a political leader, murdered his wife and tried to dispose of her body in a tandoor (clay oven) at a restaurant.
🔬 FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
DNA test was crucial to identify the charred body.
Post-mortem and bone analysis determined that the victim died due to firearm injury, not burning.
Ballistic examination confirmed that the bullet was fired from the accused’s pistol.
⚖️ VERDICT:
The court held that scientific techniques like DNA and ballistic analysis were essential in reconstructing the crime. The conviction was based heavily on forensic findings.
📌 CASE 5: People v. O.J. Simpson (1995, USA)
📍 FACTS:
O.J. Simpson, a famous American football player, was accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend. The case became a media spectacle and is one of the most famous trials in U.S. history.
🔬 FORENSIC EVIDENCE:
DNA samples from blood found at the crime scene, Simpson’s car, and home matched the victims.
A bloody glove, hair samples, and footprints were recovered.
However, contamination of evidence, police procedural errors, and racial bias concerns weakened the prosecution’s case.
⚖️ VERDICT:
Despite compelling forensic evidence, Simpson was acquitted due to reasonable doubt. This case shows that even strong forensic evidence must be properly handled and presented.
🔍 Conclusion
These cases highlight that forensic science acts as an impartial tool to either establish guilt or innocence. Courts have increasingly relied on forensic evidence for accurate fact-finding and to ensure that justice is based on truth, not merely on oral testimony.
RELATED Blog
0 comments