Forensic Science Technologies in India: Balancing justice with constitutional rights

Forensic science technologies help unveil the truth when justice needs to be served. It is used to investigate and analyse the offences done by the criminal, such as abduction, rape, murder, etc. 

In India, fundamental rights and democracy are intertwined, and the deployment of forensic science presents a concerning paradox. Scientific evidence becomes stronger through forensic technologies, which perform DNA testing alongside conducting narco-analysis tests and polygraph tests. These improvements in technologies of forensic science aid crime investigation but still create substantial debates about legal rights and constitutional protections.

The Need for Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations 

Taking a quick peek into history, India has struggled to address essential issues in crime investigation procedures. Shifts in policing methods towards modern times have made forensic science an indispensable tool because of obsolete investigation methods combined with staffed-over law enforcement and an increasing number of unsolved cases. Traditional investigation methods have become inadequate for criminal investigations because modern criminals use advanced methods to hide their activities. The rapid progress of urban areas coupled with technological advancements leads law enforcement to require science-based evidence-gathering practices, which strengthens their ability to prosecute offenders when evidence is needed. 

 Forensic science is the bridge between scientific evidence and accuracy, providing insights into offensive activities done by criminals. Fringerprint analysis, ballistic examination, DNA profiling, and digital forensics have collectively contributed to crime detection in India. However, the implications of forensic techniques on a person’s freedom and fundamental rights need to be examined.

Essential forensic technologies and their corresponding legal implications

1. DNA Profiling: Criminal investigations experienced a revolution through DNA evidence by delivering accurate results to identify perpetrators. This scientific technology has successfully solved a wide range of investigations, including sexual attacks and death investigations. DNA evidence receives legal recognition through the Bharatiya Sakshiya Adhiniyam, 2023 together with Supreme Court precedents which support its validity but require systematic control of its collection plus storage processes. Orders for DNA profiling require both legal authorization and proper consent to guarantee its legitimate execution.
2. Narco-Analysis: Drugs used during Narco-analysis procedures reduce a subject’s inhibitions so they disclose previously hidden information. The use of this forensic technique remains under debate as a legal matter, although law enforcement used it during high-profile investigations. In the case of famous Selvi v. the Supreme Court of India declared through the State of Karnataka (2010) ruling that forced narco-analysis practices violate Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution because it undermines the rights of people to resist self-incrimination. When properly authorized and supervised by the judiciary, the technique maintains its value for investigations.
3. Polygraph Tests: Law enforcement officials use polygraph tests to measure the physiological signals of people to assess truthful statements. Courts throughout judicial authorities have consistently decided polygraph testing results cannot serve as single evidence because their measurement reliability remains poor. Under the law, the forced use of these tests violates constitutional rights, which demand strict regulations during their application.

The Balance Between Justice And Fundamental Rights

The use of forensic science technologies in criminal investigations brings better results, but it is crucial to ensure that the boundaries are maintained. Lawbreaking legal principles occur when authorities perform compulsory forensic tests like polygraphs and narco-analysis without consent. The plus point is that the Supreme Court has continuously validated the protection of self-incrimination rights and privacy rights, thereby establishing essential judicial measures for forensic method use.

The Indian legal framework has evolved to regulate the application of forensics after the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, passed a provision that establishes ethical standards for forensic work. The regulations function as a tool which maintains a suitable equilibrium between crime investigation through scientific methods and safeguarding the independence of people.

Conclusion

Forensic science is a need of the modern era and the coming future. With crime rates increasing day after day, it is crucial for modern law enforcement to offer evidence that serves justice, making forensic science technology indispensable. The right management of forensic science is vital to preserving constitutional rights during operations. The legal system of India transforms its practices alongside forensic technologies progress while upholding basic rights of individuals. A balanced strategy between scientific innovation and ethical and legal security mechanisms will allow forensic science to achieve both justice delivery and protection of fundamental rights. Thus, balancing forensic technologies with fundamental rights in India is necessary.