NEW DELHI : A Delhi-based forensic science laboratory (FSL) has been pulled up by a court here for its “unusual delay” in giving DNA test reports due to shortage of chemicals.
Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau lambasted the forensic science laboratory saying the delays in delivering the reports are “adversely affecting the administration of justice.”
“For the last few months, this court has observed that there has been an unusual delay in giving the reports with regard to DNA finger printing on the plea of non-availability of the chemical and many of the reports which are now being received do not appear to be up to the mark / satisfactory,” said ASJ Lau.
The court also pulled up the Delhi police for its delay in sending the forensic samples to the FSL in an incest rape case and also ordered action against the erring officials responsible for it.
The case related to the rape of a minor allegedly by her uncle, who was living in her house and had been repeatedly assaulting her sexually after making her unconscious.
The court was irked with the FSL experts who submitted a DNA finger printing report stating that the DNA could not be amplified from any of the victim’s samples.
After filing of the report by the FSL expert, the court had directed Additional Secretary (Home) of Delhi Government G P Singh, who is also the officiating director of Rohini-based FSL, to appear before it to explain the delay and also the steps taken by them to expedite it.
Following the direction, Singh had appeared before the court and assured it that immediate steps would be taken so that DNA finger printing reports are filed on priority basis, particularly in cases relating to sexual assault.
The court has asked Singh to get the forensic samples re-examined in the case for a fresh DNA test.
The ASJ’s observations assume importance as the Delhi High Court recently, in the gang rape case of a 23-year-old paramedic, had directed the city government to look into the issue of lack of infrastructure and other facility at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL).
The high court had also said it was informed there is no director at the CFSL and there are two deputy directors in the CFSL who are not competent and these shortcomings lead to a delay of one to two years in investigation.
The high court had also said, “Evidence is lost. They (FSL) don’t accept any sample as there is shortage of chemicals also. If it is so, please rectify it immediately.”
ASJ Lau came down heavily on the conduct of the police and said it appears even the department is not interested in prosecuting these cases in all seriousness.
“I am shocked to note the behaviour and conduct of both the SHO and the IO who despite being aware of the above directions, failed to take necessary steps. Initially the investigating officer had not bothered to obtain priority letter from the court and thereafter there was a delay in sending the exhibits to the FSL,” the judge said.
The court was also informed that, following its order, disciplinary action has already been taken against the SHO of Samaypur Badli police station and investigating officer of the case for not depositing the exhibits for DNA test in time with the FSL. (AGENCIES)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel