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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1339
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11TH FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 22, 1947 (SAKA)
STRENGTHENING FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND CAPABILITIES
1339 # SHRI ADITYA PRASAD:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether forensic evidence has been accorded due importance under the
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the new laws governing the justice system lay emphasis on
forensic examination and if so, the provisions made in these new laws of
justice system with regard to forensic examination; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to strengthen forensic capabilities in the
States and the Union Territories particularly in the State of Jharkhand?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)
(a) and (b) To strengthen the case and investigations, provisions have been
made for visit of forensic experts to crime scenes for serious offences and
collect evidence in offences which are punishable for 7 years or more.
Additionally, the process of evidence collection at the crime scene to be
videographed to prevent tampering of evidence has been made mandatory in
the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This dual approach
significantly enhances the quality and reliability of investigations and
contributes to a fair administration of justice.-2-
R.S.US.Q.NO. 1339 FOR 11.02.2026
(c): “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects under the Seventh
Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and
order, protection of life and property of the citizens including investigation,
prosecution of crime and criminals, and related forensic science facilities,
are with the State/Union Territory concerned.
However, the Government of India has taken following steps to strengthen
forensic capabilities in states and union territories, including Jharkhand:
(i) So far, projects of 30 States/UTs to the tune of ₹244.89 crore have been
approved under the Nirbhaya funded scheme for Strengthening of DNA
Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State Forensic Science
Laboratories. Under the said scheme, project of State Government of
Jharkhand has also been approved at a total cost of ₹6.65 crore.
(ii) A Scheme for Modernization of Forensic Capacities with a total financial
outlay of ₹2080.5 Crore has been approved. So far, funds to the tune of about
₹233.32 crore have been approved for 25 States / Union Territories for the
component of “Modernization / Upgradation of Forensic Science Laboratories
in States / Union Territories” and about ₹361.06 crore have been approved for
30 States / Union Territories for the component of “Mobile Forensic Vans for
all districts and State FSLs in the country” including Jharkhand for which
₹15.6 crore have been approved under the scheme.
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