Question : FORENSIC LABS

(a) the number of forensic laboratories functioning in the country, State-wise;

(b) the number of cases pending before the forensic laboratories and the average time taken by the forensic laboratory to furnish the forensic reports;

(c) whether delay in obtaining forensic reports has been cited as one of the reason for high pendency in criminal cases at courts;

(d) if so, the reasons for high pendency in cases before the forensic laboratory; and

(e) the action taken by the Government to reduce delays and pendency in furnishing forensic reports?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) There are seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories functioning in the country. The Six Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) located at Chandigarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Pune and Guwahati are under Directorate of Forensic Science Services(DFSS). Apart from this one Central Forensic Science Laboratory of CBI is located at New Delhi. The State/UT-wise details of the forensic labs are given at Annexure.

(b) 6206 cases are pending in CFSLs (under DFSS) and 972 cases are pending in CFSL(CBI) as on 31st January, 2015. Further, the average time to examine a case varies from case to case depending upon the nature.

(c) to (e): One of the reasons of pendency of cases in CFSLs is due to high inflow of cases and shortage of scientific/technical manpower. Further, as a stop gap arrangement, Government has decided to fill up the vacant posts on contractual basis till the posts are filled on regular basis.