Allahabad High Court Expresses Concern Over Forensic Lab Shortcomings
The Allahabad High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the release of individuals accused of rape and murder, attributing these incidents to inadequate resources at Uttar Pradesh’s Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs). In the case of Manoj v State of UP, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal highlighted the necessity for the State to enhance its forensic capabilities by equipping FSLs with advanced technology and sufficient personnel.
The court’s directive includes sending a copy of its order to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these forensic deficiencies. Justice Deshwal’s observations were made while granting bail to a defendant accused of rape and murder, whose legal representation argued that the FSL report was favorable, implying the accused’s innocence.
Forensic Challenges Impacting Judicial Proceedings
The court underscored its frustration, noting that numerous cases, particularly those involving raped and murdered women, suffer from incomplete DNA profiling. This has resulted in the inability to determine the source of DNA from vaginal swabs. The ruling from May 21 reflects the court’s disappointment with the current state of forensic investigations, which often lead to bail being granted due to insufficient evidence.
In the specific case reviewed, the accused’s counsel successfully argued that the forensic report exonerated his client, as the DNA did not match the victim’s vaginal smear. The accused had been incarcerated since November 2025, and the lack of incriminating evidence, coupled with the forensic report, led to his release on bail.
State Government’s Role in Addressing Forensic Shortcomings
The bench held the State government accountable for the inadequate forensic infrastructure, citing outdated equipment and insufficient facilities as primary obstacles to generating complete DNA profiles. Justice Deshwal expressed regret over the necessity to release the accused due to these failings, despite the severity of the alleged crime.
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In a broader context, the court noted that the UP FSL Director had reported significant staff shortages and infrastructure challenges across the state’s forensic labs. The court’s decision to grant bail was made reluctantly, driven by the absence of critical medical evidence against the accused.
The legal representatives involved included Advocate Naryan Singh (Kushwaha) for the accused, Advocate Ravindra Kumar Dwivedi for the complainant, and Advocate Rakesh Kumar Mishra for the State.
For further details, access the court order: [Read Order]
