National Forensic Science University

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister recently spoke at the National Forensic Science University's First Convocation (NFSU).

Image Source - Shiksaha.com

About National Forensic Science University

• In order to meet the severe scarcity and the rising need for forensic experts in India and around the world, it was formed by the Indian government in 2020.
• The National Forensic Sciences University is the first and only university in the world devoted to forensic, behavioural, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and associated sciences. It has the status of an Institution of National Importance.
• Its campuses have been established outside of Gujarat, Bhopal, Goa, Tripura, Manipur, and Guwahati.

Vision:

• To address the severe forensic expertise gap in both the nation and the world.
• help improve and increase safety in the world.
• to do research in the fields of criminology, forensic science, security, and behavioural science.

Mission:

• Investigation-based education.
• to deliver High-Quality, Internationally Recognized Education.
• The newest centres of excellence
• Three Centers of Excellence and a new campus have been added to the university.
• The DNA Center of Excellence.
• the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
• the Forensic and Investigative Psychology Center of Excellence

Forensic Science

• In forensic science, crimes are investigated or potential evidence for court cases is examined using scientific procedures or skills.
• From anthropology and wildlife forensics to fingerprint and DNA analysis, forensic science encompasses a wide range of fields.
• A crucial component of the criminal justice system is forensic science.
• To produce unbiased conclusions that can aid in the investigation and prosecution of crime perpetrators or clear an innocent person of suspicion, forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and other locations.
• Indian forensic science: In Kolkata, India, the first Central Fingerprint Bureau was founded in 1897 and began operations in 1904.
• Under the Department of Biotechnology, a cutting-edge Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) has been built in Hyderabad.
• Numerous police agencies, forensic institutes, and wildlife departments are now using DNA profiling to identify people and animals from biological fluids and tissue samples in criminal cases including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, terrorist activity, wildlife forensics, and other crimes.
• India is home to more than 80 colleges and universities, including the National Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and Rashtriya Raksha University in Lavad, Gandhinagar, where the School of Forensic Science & Risk Management also provides instruction, research, and training to the students, Police, and Paramilitary forces for security.

Issues with Indian Forensic Science

False Convictions:

• Erroneous convictions based on subpar forensic evidence are the most worrisome problems in forensic science.
• DNA tests allowed for the release of nearly 318 prisoners who had been wrongfully convicted based on flawed forensic evidence.
• Lack of scientific certainty
• Lack of research
• Lack of a well-defined code of ethics

Lack of certification of the experts

• Non-available databases and non-availability of error rate statistics for all the techniques

Legislation

The Himachal Pradesh Police Act of 2007 is a statute.

• The statute gives the Director of Forensic Science the authority to recommend to the State Police Board and the state government the establishment of forensic facilities in the state for scientific research.
• Additionally, it stipulates that within six months the state will offer the required financial help for the same; however, if this is not possible, justifications must be put in writing.
• The statute also made it essential for investigative agencies to gather and submit forensic evidence for forensic analysis in criminal proceedings.
• Facilities for scientific questioning, investigation and the appropriate equipment will be created by the director general of police in cooperation with the director of forensic science.

Acts of 2020 establishing the National Forensic Science University and Rashtriya Raksha University

• Two Acts were passed by the Indian government in September 2020:
• In Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) Act 2020 NFSU was established.
• 2020 Rashtriya Raksha University Act
• At Laval, Dahegam, and Gandhinagar in Gujarat State, RRU has been developed and constructed.
• Rashtriya Raksha University's mission is to advance and offer top-notch instruction and research in the fields of risk management, law enforcement, security, and artificial intelligence.

Way forward

• If quick, efficient justice is to be delivered to the country's average citizen, India urgently needs to enhance its forensics capabilities.
• The types of samples that the investigating officers send to the labs for examination have a direct impact on the quality of the forensic reports.
• As a result, the investigating police should be required to complete forensic training.
• In order to prevent the report quality from suffering due to a lack of experience and the most up-to-date technology, there should be uniform technology and expertise throughout all testing Forensic Laboratories in India.

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