New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Delhi's Home Minister Ashish Sood on Saturday paid a visit to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the national capital, and reviewed its scientific infrastructure, forensic examination facilities and overall operational functioning.
Sood emphasized that scientific investigation is the backbone of an efficient criminal justice system, and noted that timely forensic examination is something crucial, and essential for reducing delays in trials, while also ensuring speedy justice to citizens.
During the visit, he was briefed on the key achievements and various measures adopted by the FSL by Dr Anil Agarwal, Principal Director of the establishment.
He was informed about the strengthening of scientific manpower, with recruitment, on mission mode of the 247 scientific staff, including (JSO/SSA/JSA), on contract basis for the examination and reporting of cases.
He was also briefed on the engagement of 90 M.Sc.-qualified interns on a stipend basis, to strengthen the existing teams engaged in examination and 'Scene of Crime' work.
Notably, the machinery, scientific equipment, cyber workstations and consumables required for tests have been procured on high priority, officials said, adding that six mobile forensic vans have been procured and commissioned at range locations for forensic teams.
Forensic experts have also been deputed in all six ranges of Delhi Police and in all fifteen districts to provide prompt scientific support at the Scene of Crime, as mandated under the new Nyaya Sanhitas, officials informed.
Interestingly, 25 video conferencing sites/ facilities have become operational for deposing testimony online before the courts for speedy trial.
NABL accreditation has been extended to this laboratory for a further period of four years, and the prestigious ILAC-MRA has also been extended for a period of one year, officials informed the minister.
The FSL Delhi has successfully reduced its critical case pendency by 72 per cent, from 27,585 cases in June, 2025 to 7,178 cases as on 31st July, 2026, with an overall disposal of 3,49,519 exhibits during the last 12 months.
It is noteworthy that pendency of POCSO cases has also been reduced from 800 in December, 2025 to 77 in July, 2026.
The backlog was brought down through improved manpower, extended and flexible working hours, working on weekends (with transportation, security and food facilities), staff rotation, inter-divisional support and optimised workflows.
Meanwhile, the construction of the RFSL at Sheikh Sarai, Delhi, is a pilot project for the future expansion of forensic science support in the NCT of Delhi in view of the new Nyaya Sanhitas, and in this connection, the PWD, GNCTD, has submitted the Preliminary Estimate.
Sood appreciated the dedication and sustained efforts of the entire team of FSL, in achieving a substantial reduction in critical case pendency and enhancing the examination capacity of the Laboratory. UNI APS SAS