The Bombay High Court has issued a request for a comprehensive report from the Maharashtra government regarding the operations and workload of forensic laboratories in the state. This request comes in light of significant concerns related to delays experienced in processing forensic evidence. The court has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to deliver the report by April 28, which should include details about the labs’ capacities, the average time required to process cases, and information on potential plans to establish additional facilities to address the growing backlog.

Concerns Arise in Murder Case Due to Delays

This matter was brought to light during the hearing of a bail application related to a murder case, wherein the accused has been in custody for more than two years without receiving a forensic report. The court had previously urged investigators to acquire a forensic analysis of CCTV footage deemed essential for the ongoing case. The state’s representatives informed the court that the forensic laboratories are currently engaged with samples dating back to 2020, which has severely limited their capacity to handle newer cases, leading to substantial delays.

Prosecutors indicated that the backlog is the reason for the delay in processing the current case, which was registered in 2024. The case in question involves a violent incident that took place at the Vadgaon Maval Police Station in Pune district, where charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, and murder have been lodged. This incident reportedly stemmed from a minor dispute in Kusur village, escalating into a fatal confrontation.

Mohan Shankar Turde, the accused, is allegedly linked to the group that assaulted the victim using various weapons, including wooden logs, iron rods, and an axe. The prosecution relies on eyewitness testimonies, CCTV footage, and call records to establish Turde’s alleged involvement in the events.

Defence Claims Alibi, Forensic Evidence Crucial

The defence has contested the allegations by claiming that Turde has an alibi, thereby making the forensic examination of the CCTV footage a pivotal element in the proceedings. The dependency on this forensic evidence highlights the importance of timely processing by the forensic laboratories. The ongoing backlog affects not only the current case but potentially countless others awaiting analysis.

In response to the High Court’s directive, the Maharashtra government is expected to outline in its report the measures proposed to improve the efficiency and reliability of forensic services in the state. This includes potential infrastructural developments and strategies to enhance the workforce available for processing forensic evidence, ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner.

The situation illustrates the critical role that forensic laboratories play in the criminal justice system, as delays in evidence processing can have severe implications for both the defence and prosecution. The forthcoming report will be crucial in determining the future operations of these laboratories and addressing the pressing issue of backlog that has persisted since 2020.

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