Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensics CoEDF 6th Floor Block K New International Training Centre Building National Forensics Sciences University Sector 9 Gandhinagar 382007 Gujarat

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Examiner of Electronic Evidence **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, published in the Gazette of India on June 2, 2025. The notification designates the Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensics (CoEDF) at the National Forensics Sciences University, Gandhinagar, as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence within India, with a specified scope encompassing Computer Media Forensics and Mobile Devices Forensics. Furthermore, this notification rescinds an earlier notification (No. 3390 dated 08.08.2023) related to Examiners of Electronic Evidence. The key finding is the establishment of a specific, named entity to serve as an official examiner and the simultaneous removal of a previous examiner designation. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the notification S.O. 2459(E), issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, pertaining to the designation of an Examiner of Electronic Evidence. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the given text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification represents an amendment to existing policy regarding Examiners of Electronic Evidence, as it rescinds a previous notification. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to formally designate and authorize a specific institution (CoEDF) as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence within India, defining its scope of expertise. A secondary objective is the replacement of a previously designated examiner with the new entity. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends a previous policy regarding Examiners of Electronic Evidence. The likely reason for this specific amendment is a change in the government's strategy for managing electronic evidence examination. The text suggests that either the previous examiner designation (under notification No. 3390) was deemed insufficient, or CoEDF offers enhanced capabilities or a more suitable framework for this role. The limited information available prevents further speculation on the precise rationale. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces the following changes related to Examiners of Electronic Evidence: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The notification directly rescinds notification No. 3390 dated 08.08.2023. This implies that whatever entity was designated or functions outlined in that previous notification are now nullified. * **New Rule/Provision:** The notification designates the Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensics (CoEDF) at the National Forensics Sciences University, Gandhinagar, as the new "Examiner of Electronic Evidence within India." Its scope is explicitly defined as: * Computer Media Forensics * Mobile Devices Forensics * **Effect of Change:** The effect of this change is to replace the previous examiner (designated under notification No. 3390) with CoEDF. This concentrates the examination of electronic evidence, specifically in the areas of computer media and mobile devices, within this designated institution. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this change include: * **Law Enforcement Agencies:** Entities relying on electronic evidence in investigations will now utilize CoEDF for examination within the defined scope. * **Courts and Legal Professionals:** Legal proceedings requiring expert testimony on electronic evidence will be impacted by this designation. * **National Forensics Sciences University (Specifically CoEDF):** The university and the CoEDF are now responsible for providing electronic evidence examination services. * **The entity previously designated under notification No. 3390:** This organization is no longer the designated examiner. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the responsible agency, as indicated by the notification. The National Forensics Sciences University, specifically CoEDF, is the implementing body for the electronic evidence examination function. * **Timelines/Procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are detailed in the text. It is implied that existing procedures for submitting and processing electronic evidence will be adapted to incorporate CoEDF. * **Amendment Implementation:** The implementation of this amendment requires law enforcement and the courts to begin utilizing CoEDF for computer media and mobile device forensics and to cease relying on the previously designated entity. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this change are: * **Enhanced Expertise:** Concentrating electronic evidence examination within a Center of Excellence may lead to improved quality and consistency of forensic analysis. * **Specialized Focus:** The explicitly defined scope (Computer Media Forensics and Mobile Devices Forensics) suggests a focus on these specific areas of digital evidence. * **Streamlined Process:** The designation of a specific entity may streamline the process of submitting and analyzing electronic evidence. * **Modernization:** The notification may reflect a government effort to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and enhance the forensic capabilities. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed represents a significant amendment to the policy regarding Examiners of Electronic Evidence. By designating the Centre of Excellence in Digital Forensics (CoEDF) at the National Forensics Sciences University as the official examiner and rescinding a previous notification, the government is likely aiming to enhance the quality, focus, and efficiency of electronic evidence examination within India. This change highlights the importance of digital forensics in modern law enforcement and judicial processes.

Key Entities Referenced