Forensic Science In Criminal Trials
1. Meaning and Importance
Forensic Science refers to the application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and assist the court in determining guilt or innocence. It includes disciplines such as:
DNA profiling
Fingerprint analysis
Ballistics
Toxicology
Serology
Digital forensics
Forensic pathology
Courts rely on forensic evidence because it is objective, scientific, and less prone to human error (unlike eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable).
2. Role in Criminal Trials
In criminal trials, forensic science serves the following purposes:
Identification – of the accused, victim, or weapon.
Linking evidence – between crime scene, suspect, and victim.
Reconstruction – of how the crime occurred.
Corroboration – of witness testimony.
Establishing cause of death – in murder or suspicious death cases.
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, especially Sections 45–51, governs the admissibility of expert (including forensic) evidence.
Section 45 allows expert opinions in areas of science, art, handwriting, and finger impressions to be considered relevant.
3. Important Case Laws in India
Let’s go through five detailed landmark cases that demonstrate how forensic science has been used effectively in Indian criminal justice.
Case 1: State of Maharashtra v. Damu Gopinath Shinde & Ors. (2000) 6 SCC 269
Facts:
The accused were charged with kidnapping and murdering a young girl. The prosecution relied heavily on DNA evidence obtained from the remains found and from the accused’s clothing.
Forensic Role:
DNA profiling confirmed that the blood and tissue on the accused’s clothes matched the victim’s DNA. Other circumstantial evidence supported this finding.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court held that DNA fingerprinting is an accurate and scientifically accepted method for identifying individuals and can be relied upon to establish guilt.
Principle:
This case reinforced that scientific evidence like DNA can be decisive, especially when direct witnesses are absent.
Case 2: State of U.P. v. Rajesh Gautam (2003) 5 SCC 531
Facts:
The case involved the brutal murder of a family. Bloodstains were found on the accused’s clothes and weapon.
Forensic Role:
Serological (blood group) tests confirmed that the blood on the weapon and the accused’s shirt matched the victims’ blood group. Fingerprint analysis also linked the accused to the crime scene.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, emphasizing that forensic reports under Section 293 CrPC are admissible and can be relied upon without summoning the expert unless the defense disputes the findings.
Principle:
This case highlighted that forensic evidence can corroborate circumstantial evidence and solidify the chain of proof.
Case 3: N.D. Tiwari v. Rohit Shekhar (2012) 12 SCC 554
Facts:
This was a civil paternity dispute, not a murder case, but it significantly advanced the use of DNA testing in Indian law. Rohit Shekhar claimed to be the biological son of politician N.D. Tiwari.
Forensic Role:
The Delhi High Court ordered a DNA test despite the father’s refusal, citing that truth determination in court outweighs privacy in such cases.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court upheld the DNA test order, stating that in exceptional cases, scientific tests are necessary to serve justice.
Principle:
DNA testing can be a decisive tool for truth discovery in both criminal and civil cases, balancing rights with justice.
Case 4: Santosh Kumar Singh v. State through CBI (2010) 9 SCC 747 – The Priyadarshini Mattoo Case
Facts:
Priyadarshini Mattoo, a law student, was raped and murdered in 1996. The accused, Santosh Kumar Singh, was initially acquitted by the trial court due to lack of direct evidence.
Forensic Role:
DNA analysis from semen samples, hair, and skin found on the victim matched the accused. CBI produced expert forensic testimony confirming the link.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court reversed the acquittal and sentenced the accused to death (later commuted to life imprisonment). The court heavily relied on DNA evidence to establish guilt.
Principle:
DNA evidence is conclusive and reliable; when properly collected and preserved, it can form the backbone of conviction even if other evidence is circumstantial.
Case 5: Mukesh & Anr. v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2017) 6 SCC 1 – The Nirbhaya Case
Facts:
This case involved the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder. There were no direct eyewitnesses inside the bus.
Forensic Role:
DNA profiling matched samples from the accused with those from the victim and the crime scene.
Forensic odontology confirmed bite marks.
Fingerprint and blood analysis corroborated the sequence of events.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of the accused, citing the forensic evidence as irrefutable and scientifically valid.
Principle:
This case demonstrated the power of multiple forensic techniques working together, making the evidence unshakable.
Case 6: State of Karnataka v. Krishnappa (2000) 4 SCC 75
Facts:
The accused was charged with rape and murder of a minor. There were no eyewitnesses.
Forensic Role:
Medical examination and forensic reports confirmed rape, and blood stains on the accused’s clothes matched the victim’s blood group.
Judgment:
The Court accepted medical and forensic evidence as sufficient to establish guilt.
Principle:
Medical and forensic evidence can replace eyewitness testimony if scientifically sound and properly collected.
4. Challenges in Using Forensic Evidence in India
Improper collection and preservation of samples.
Delay in forensic reports due to overburdened labs.
Lack of expert training among investigating officers.
Chain of custody issues leading to evidence contamination.
5. Conclusion
Forensic science has become a cornerstone of modern criminal investigation. Indian courts have progressively recognized its importance for fair trials. When properly collected and presented, forensic evidence:
Strengthens the prosecution’s case,
Protects the innocent,
Ensures scientific justice.
As seen through landmark cases like Damu Gopinath Shinde, Priyadarshini Mattoo, and Nirbhaya, forensic science transforms suspicion into certainty and helps courts arrive at truth beyond reasonable doubt.
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