Delay in Resolving Rape Cases Due to Lack of Enough Forensic Labs

While nine fast-track courts were setup in Delhi, there are only two Central Forensic Labs at Lodhi Colony and Rohini

While nine fast-track courts (FTCs) have been setup in Delhi there are only two Central Forensic Labs at Lodhi Colony and Rohini. (Photo: PTI)

Surrounded by eminent people like Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar, Asha Devi the mother of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape and murder victim in Delhi hoped that some measures would be taken to ensure justice for other women who have been victims of violent crimes.

However, three years after the crime that shook the country, justice continues to be delayed. According to a report in The Indian Express, while nine fast-track courts (FTCs) have been setup in Delhi there are only two Central Forensic Labs at Lodhi Colony and Rohini. And with a backlog of 2500 DNA samples, they are not being able to deliver. The reports from the forensic lab is crucial to legal proceedings, especially in cases of rape and sexual assault.

No cross examination of the victim can take place if the crucial forensic report is not placed before the court. Also, filing of supplementary chargesheets are delayed due to non-filing of forensic reports. The other impediment is that case property sent to laboratories for forensic examination needs to be produced in the court during the recording of evidence. This is also delayed by probe agencies and courts have to defer the trial.

AT Ansari, Lawyer for Prosecution in December 16, 2012 gangrape case