Use Of Dna And Other Scientific Evidence In Verdicts
Use of DNA and Scientific Evidence in Verdicts
Scientific evidence refers to evidence derived from scientific techniques such as DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, ballistic reports, toxicology, and digital forensics. Such evidence is critical in establishing identity, linking suspects to crimes, and corroborating witness testimony.
Types of Scientific Evidence in Criminal Trials:
DNA Analysis: Blood, semen, hair, or saliva for suspect identification.
Fingerprints & Palm Prints: Linking individuals to crime scenes.
Ballistics and Firearm Analysis: Identifying firearms used in crimes.
Toxicology Reports: Detecting drugs or poisons in victims or suspects.
Forensic Psychology and Polygraph Tests: Behavioral profiling.
Digital Forensics: Emails, social media, and cyber-traces.
Legal Basis in India:
Indian Evidence Act, 1872: Section 45 allows expert opinion in court.
CrPC provisions: Sections 164, 173, and 293 for collection and presentation of scientific evidence.
DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019: Regulates DNA testing in criminal cases.
Case Law Analysis
Here are six landmark cases highlighting the role of DNA and other scientific evidence in criminal verdicts:
Case 1: State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh & Ors (1996, Supreme Court of India)
Facts:
Custodial rape and murder case; semen stains were collected.
DNA profiling was used to link the accused to the crime.
Court Decision:
DNA evidence was accepted as conclusive scientific proof corroborating witness testimony.
Accused were convicted under IPC Sections 302 and 376.
Significance:
First major acknowledgment in India of DNA as reliable evidence in sexual assault cases.
Case 2: Tukaram S. Dighole v. State of Maharashtra (2010, Supreme Court of India)
Facts:
Accused challenged conviction in a murder case, questioning the reliability of DNA and fingerprint evidence.
Court Decision:
Supreme Court emphasized the importance of chain-of-custody in DNA evidence.
Ruled that properly collected and scientifically analyzed DNA is strong corroborative evidence, even if eyewitnesses are absent.
Significance:
Reinforced that procedural safeguards in evidence collection are crucial for admissibility.
Case 3: State of Maharashtra v. Shrikant Koli (2009, Bombay High Court)
Facts:
Serial sexual assault case; semen stains and hair samples were collected.
Court Decision:
DNA profiling matched samples to the accused, leading to conviction.
Court recognized that scientific evidence can outweigh minor inconsistencies in witness statements.
Significance:
Demonstrated DNA’s role in convicting repeat offenders even with partial witness testimony.
Case 4: Mohd. Ajmal Kasab & Others v. State of Maharashtra (2012, Supreme Court of India)
Facts:
26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks; forensic evidence included fingerprints, DNA from explosives, and recovered weapons.
Court Decision:
Scientific analysis of explosives and weapons helped link Kasab to the attacks.
DNA and fingerprint evidence strengthened prosecution’s case, leading to death penalty confirmation.
Significance:
Showed scientific evidence is crucial in terrorism-related prosecutions for linking perpetrators to specific acts.
Case 5: State of Karnataka v. Laxman Rao (2014, Karnataka High Court)
Facts:
Accused in a murder case claimed fabricated confessions, challenging conviction.
Bloodstains on clothes were tested for DNA and matched the victim’s profile.
Court Decision:
DNA evidence was pivotal in upholding the conviction.
Court held that scientific evidence strengthens judicial confidence in verdicts.
Significance:
Highlighted DNA as a tool to overcome defense claims of false confessions.
Case 6: State of Kerala v. K. Ajith (2016, Kerala High Court)
Facts:
Rape and murder case; fingerprints, semen, and hair evidence collected.
Court Decision:
DNA profiling conclusively linked the accused to the crime scene.
Court awarded life imprisonment, emphasizing DNA’s role in accurate criminal identification.
Significance:
Reinforced that scientific evidence can independently corroborate or even replace unreliable eyewitness testimony.
Key Lessons from These Cases
Scientific Evidence Strengthens Convictions: DNA and other forensic tests provide objective corroboration.
Procedural Integrity Matters: Chain-of-custody, sample collection, and laboratory certification are critical.
Corroboration with Eyewitness Testimony: Courts prefer scientific evidence alongside witness accounts but accept it independently if reliable.
Admissibility Standards: Expert opinions under Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act are legally binding.
Impact Across Crime Types: DNA and scientific evidence are used in sexual assault, murder, terrorism, and organized crime cases.
Precedent for Future Cases: Courts increasingly rely on forensic science, creating consistent jurisprudence for DNA admissibility.
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