Shillong, Nov 10: The Forensic Science Laboratory in Shillong has been found to be lacking in facilities, earning strong criticism from the Meghalaya High Court.
The High Court took serious note of a report filed by Amicus Curiae K Ch Gautam, after his visit to the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, stating that DNA testing has stopped, NDPS testing has been interrupted, and a single cleaner is left to maintain an entire three-storeyed building.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh pulled up the state government over the poor state of the laboratory while hearing a PIL recently.
The report paints a grim picture of damp and unhygienic workstations, rusted equipment, poor sanitation, shortage of scientific staff, non-functional equipment and a generator installed in 2024 lying dead after a voltage surge.
“The shortcomings listed in the report need to be addressed at the earliest, since criminal investigation of any case is largely dependent on forensic reports,” the Court observed.
“The delays in forensic examination have serious consequences on investigation and preparation of chargesheets and in trials and as such, in timely administration of justice,” the Bench added.
The Amicus found only one cleaner for the entire building, forcing even Scientific Officers to clean their own divisions.
There is an acute shortage of manpower in the Chemistry, Biology and DNA, Documents, Cyber Forensic, Ballistics and Physics divisions, with two posts of Deputy Director and two posts of Scientific Officer lying vacant, according to the report.
One Scientific Officer is single-handedly handling both the Cyber Forensic Unit and the Physical Division, it said.
The report also flagged a matter of serious concern, that the present Director is not a technical or scientific person with a forensic science background.
“Considering the highly specialised scientific functions performed by the Directorate, the issue of adequate technical and scientific supervision merits consideration. According to us, expeditious consideration,” the Court said.
The most critical failures, the report noted, are non-functioning equipment affecting the Chemistry Division, consequent interruption of NDPS testing, shortage of chemicals affecting DNA testing, inadequate equipment in the Biology and DNA Division, need for modern equipment in the Documents and Physical Divisions, outdated hardware and software in Cyber Forensics, and need for regular maintenance and calibration, and even air conditioners and fans.
The Court noted that proposals for DNA consumables, generator repair and replacement and purchase of equipment are pending before the Finance Department and the Home Police Department.
The generator, the Court noted, serves as a critical backup power source, as its downtime directly risks daily operations, data safety and overall productivity.
The Bench directed the Additional Advocate General to place the Amicus report before the Secretary and Joint Secretary, Home Police Department, to take prompt steps for pending approvals, filling vacancies including Grade-IV staff, and priority maintenance of the building.
“If necessary, retired employees of FSL can be appointed on contractual basis till such time regular appointments are made,” the Court said.
It also directed the State Government to pay Rs 50,000 to the Amicus Curiae for his valuable contribution.
The matter will be heard next on November 19, with the State to file an affidavit on steps taken.
“Deficiencies in forensic reports can also lead to acquittals,” the Court warned, underlining that the crumbling lab is not just an administrative failure, but a threat to justice itself.
