(a) whether the Government is aware of the delay in administering justice due to increasing pendency in Forensic Science Laboratories (FLSs) during the last three years;
(b) if so, the number of such pending cases, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any special plan to reduce/dispose of such cases; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) and (b): Availability of forensic report facilitates investigation. However, disposal of a case depends on several factors such as category of the case (civil or criminal), complexity of the facts involved, nature of evidence and co-operation of the stakeholders. ''Police'' and ''Public order'' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Details of such pending cases, state-wise, is not maintained centrally.
(c) and (d) In order to assist strengthening State Forensic Science Laboratories that would, inter-alia, help reduce the pendency of cases, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken the following initiatives:
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LS.US.Q.NO.1504 FOR 20.09.2020
(i) Projects approved for strengthening DNA analysis, Cyber-forensics and related facilities in 16 States/UT at a total cost of Rs.157.98 crore under Nirbhaya Fund.
(ii) Total of Rs.195.97 crore has been approved to the States for strengthening Forensic Science Laboratories in financial years 2019-2021under the scheme for Modernization of Police Forces.
(iii) To ensure quality and standardization in forensic examination, the Directorate of Forensic Science Services, MHA, has issued the following guidelines:
(1) Quality Manuals for accreditation of laboratories as per NABL standards (ISO 17025) and Working Procedure Manuals in nine disciplines of Forensic Sciences.
(2) Quality Manuals and Working Procedure Manuals for Biology and DNA Division.
(3) Guidelines for collection, preservation & transportation of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases for Investigation Officers and medical Officers. Sexual Assault Evidence Collection kits have also been distributed to the States/UTs to ensure that evidence is collected and stored in proper manner.
(4) Standard list of Equipment for establishing/upgrading of Forensic Sciences Laboratories.
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