Kejriwal Defacement Case: A Forensic Science Case Study for Students

Dreaming to work in the field of forensic science? Real life cases are one of the best places to learn. The recent defamation case against the former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a good example of how forensic laboratories and professionals are an important part of the Indian judicial process, and what can happen when things do not work out as anticipated.

Need of Forensic Science in Kejriwal Defacement Case

A complaint was filed in 2019 claiming that Arvind Kejriwal and other political leaders had misused government money and erected hoardings and banners in Dwarka area of Delhi. This is according to the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 that fines and even jails a person who defaces public property.

The court ordered the police to conduct an investigation and most importantly, to analyze a CD given as evidence. This CD was said to be having photographic evidence of the said defacement. The experts in the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were asked to examine the CD to confirm the authenticity and the contents of the CD, as it is normally done in the cases involving digital evidence.

The Importance of Prompt Forensic Reports

The FSL did not present its report within the stipulated time at court even after service of notice despite clear court direction. The court treated this delay seriously and ordered the FSL Director to personally appear before it and offer an explanation on the non-compliance. Such an unusual step shows the importance given to forensic reports in legal matters, particularly where the case revolves around digital or physical evidence.

The court scheduled the appearance date of FSL Director to be June 28, and it highlighted the seriousness of this delay and how it would affect the course of the case. The action shows that the Indian judicial system demands accountability and prompt adherence to obligations by forensic institutions, and also acts as a practical lesson to all aspiring forensic scientists regarding the legal implications and obligations of their trade. 

Importance of Forensic Labs in Crime Investigation

Today forensic labs are very important in crime solving. These labs are tasked with the analysis of all types of evidence, in the event that there is a case; this may be digital data such as CDs and pen drives, or it may be physical data such as fingerprints, tool marks and even DNA samples. They are supposed to examine all things scientifically and hence the outcome they give in the court is not biased but is reliable.

Among the most valuable tasks that forensic labs perform, the assurance that all evidence is stored and handled appropriately should be mentioned. This is referred to as the sustainability of the chain of custody. This implies that the evidence is monitored throughout the process, and therefore, no person can query its integrity once it is produced in the courtroom. Another thing that forensic scientists frequently must do is to interpret their results to judges and juries, simplifying complex science so that everybody comprehends the implications of the evidence.

Main  Forensic Techniques Used in Such Cases

• Digital Forensics: Examining CDs, hard drives, and other gadgets to find out if any tampering is done, whether it is authenticity, and for the content.
• Microscopy and Imaging: This is used to analyze any physical marks or alterations done in the evidence piece. 
• Documentation: this is done to maintain detailed records and chain of custody for every piece of evidence

Lessons for Aspiring Forensic Science Students

Well, first of all, time is everything! Any delay in forensic reporting may literally cause stalling or even compromising of legal proceedings. Courts are depending on you to provide timely and accurate reports and it is therefore very important that you manage your time properly. The next lesson learned is the need to be careful about details - all the stages of the process, beginning with evidence gathering to its analysis must be thorough and properly documented. 

Being a forensic professional, you do not simply work in a laboratory; you work within the legal system, and this fact means that you are responsible about your work. And honestly, it is a lot of responsibility! It is a grim reminder of the fact that the Director of FSL was personally summoned due to lack of compliance in the case. Lastly, forensics science is completely interdisciplinary because  you use digital forensics, chemistry, biology, and law simultaneously. In order to remain relevant, one should engage in constant learning. With these lessons under your belt, you will be well prepared to become an excellent forensic scientist!

Forensic science is a satisfying profession if you are a person who admires science, and you desire to bring justice to the world. Your job will be at the intersection of law, technology, and investigation, and you will be directly involved in ensuring that the truth is revealed in the court.