Chandigarh: Keeping in view the delay in forensic science laboratories readying reports due to poor infrastructure, shortage of manpower and funds, the Punjab and Haryana high court has directed Punjab and Haryana to go for a complete revamp of its laboratories.
This includes establishment of independent directorates, modernization of sample collection process, implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), improved working norms, staff norms and budgetary issues.


While issuing directions, the HC observed that a timely and rigorous response will alleviate the burden on the courts, reduce overcrowding in jails, conserve public resources, and restore public confidence in a system where justice, though at times delayed, shall not be denied.
“Let this directive mark the dawn of an era where every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, may rest assured that the wheels of justice will turn with both swiftness and fairness,” the HC has observed.
Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul has passed these orders while taking suo motu cognisance about massive delay in chemical examination by FSLs in Punjab and Haryana.
On Feb 29, the HC had constituted committees comprising three IAS and three IPS officers from Punjab and Haryana.
These committees were entrusted with the responsibility of identifying the root administrative and technical causes underlying the delays in preparation and dispatch of the FSL report. On July 15, the committee reports highlighted that every stage of the process in the FSL is hampered by inefficiencies, from inadequate infrastructure and administrative apathy to significant staffing shortages and financial mismanagement.
An additional concern raised by the committee for SOPs, policies, or guidelines for the operations and quality standards for FSL. It was also found that a few laboratories in Punjab failed to follow the mandatory protocol of barcoded stickers for preparation of its reports, indicating a severe lapse in oversight and accountability with critical forensic operations.
The HC has now issued directions for complete revamp of the FSLs in both states based on the recommendations of the report.