Shillong, Nov 10: DNA testing has stopped and drug testing has been interrupted at Meghalaya’s main forensic laboratory, with the High Court warning that the breakdown is delaying investigations, chargesheets and trials.
The observation came in an order passed on November 5 by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh in a PIL, after an inspection report laid bare the state of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Shillong.
The court had earlier been told that DNA testing had halted for want of chemicals. It asked Amicus Curiae K Ch Gautam to visit the laboratory and file a report. The bench described the report as comprehensive and said the shortfalls need immediate attention.
According to the report, non-functioning equipment has hit the Chemistry Division and interrupted NDPS testing. Shortage of chemicals and consumables has affected DNA testing.
The Biology/DNA, Documents and Physical divisions need modern equipment, while Cyber Forensics needs updated hardware and software. The report also called for regular maintenance and calibration of scientific equipment.
A generator installed in 2024 is non-functional after a high voltage surge. The FSL wrote to the government on September 23 seeking sanction for repair or replacement, saying some equipment must run 24×7 without power failure. The proposal is still pending with the Joint Secretary, Home (Police).
Proposals for DNA consumables and equipment, including one forwarded on October 8, are also pending before the Finance Department and the government.
The report flagged shortage of both scientific and support staff in Chemistry, Biology/DNA, Documents, Cyber Forensic, Ballistics and Physics divisions.
Two posts of Deputy Director and two posts of Scientific Officer are vacant. One Scientific Officer is single-handedly handling both the Cyber Forensic Unit and the Physical Division.
The laboratory also lacks laboratory bearers, who handle exhibits and maintain lab areas.
Several portions of the building were found damp and poorly maintained, with unhygienic workstations and an overall environment not suited to a specialised scientific establishment.
With only one cleaner for the entire three-storey building, Scientific Officers and other staff were cleaning their own divisions.
The court flagged as a matter of serious concern that the present Director is not a technical or scientific person with a forensic science background.
The bench observed that criminal investigation depends largely on forensic reports. Delays affect investigation, chargesheets and trials. Shortage of staff adds to delay when case load exceeds capacity. Deficiencies in forensic reports can even lead to acquittals, it said.
The court directed the Additional Advocate General to place the Amicus report before the Secretary and Joint Secretary, Home (Police), for prompt action on pending approvals, vacancies and maintenance.
Vacancies, including Grade-IV staff, must be filled at the earliest. If needed, retired FSL employees can be appointed on contract till regular appointments are made, the court said.
The state was also directed to pay Rs 50,000 to the Amicus for his work and file an affidavit on steps taken.
The matter will be heard next on November 19.
