Forensic Samples from Govt Labs Can Now Be Analysed by Private Labs: Amit Shah
Home Minister says 36,000 students to graduate from NFSU annually, strengthening both public and private forensic sectors
In a groundbreaking development for India's criminal justice and forensic ecosystem, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that forensic samples received by government laboratories can now also be analysed by private forensic laboratories. The declaration aims to revolutionize the nation's forensic capacity by integrating private institutions into the core investigative and judicial process.
"Every year, around 36,000 students will graduate from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), and many of them will go on to work in private forensic laboratories," Shah said, addressing a national-level forensic science conference in New Delhi.
— The Hindu, April 14, 2025
Why This Matters: Bridging the Capacity Gap
Government forensic science laboratories in India have long been overburdened with sample backlogs, delaying the course of justice in numerous criminal investigations. The Home Minister's announcement paves the way for legal and procedural changes that would allow empanelled and accredited private forensic laboratories to step in and reduce these delays.
"This is a strategic move. It's not just about reducing backlog, but about ensuring timely delivery of justice and bringing scientific precision to criminal investigations," said an NFSU academic expert on condition of anonymity.
Role of NFSU and Expanding Forensic Workforce
The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is playing a pivotal role in building a skilled forensic workforce. With campuses across India and even internationally, NFSU is projected to graduate 36,000 forensic professionals annually — many of whom will serve police departments, judiciary systems, forensic labs, and private firms.
"The push towards forensic integration — whether in sexual assault cases, homicide, cybercrime or financial fraud — is reshaping how justice is delivered in India," noted a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
— PIB Press Release – April 2025
Policy and Legal Implications
This announcement hints at an upcoming overhaul in forensic policy and legislation. Legal experts suggest that evidence admissibility, chain of custody, and report authentication from private labs will now be more clearly codified in the Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Moreover, the government has been promoting forensic audit trails, DNA profiling, and cyber forensic integration in sensitive investigations, which further underscores the need for increased lab infrastructure — a gap now being filled by private participation.
India's Global Vision for Forensics
With the adoption of cutting-edge technology, international collaborations, and increased funding for research, India is aligning its forensic roadmap with global benchmarks.
NFSU has already signed MOUs with leading institutions in the US, UK, UAE, and Australia, expanding its research footprint and exchange programs, and nurturing global-standard forensic experts.
Conclusion
Amit Shah's announcement is more than a policy update — it's a clear signal of India's strategic investment in forensic science as a cornerstone of a modern and efficient criminal justice system. By bridging public-private capabilities, India is poised to become a leader in forensic innovation and application.
