Lucknow: The Allahabad High Court has observed that Uttar Pradesh does not have enough forensic science laboratories considering the state’s large population and size. The court noted that the state has only one State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and 12 Regional Forensic Science Laboratories (RFSLs).
On October 28, 2026, a report on the court’s proceedings said that the High Court had directed the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Uttar Pradesh, to submit a detailed response within four weeks. The case focuses on delays in forensic reports and the need for more laboratories and clear deadlines for testing evidence.
UP Forensic Lab Shortage: Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government’s Response
A bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra considered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Piyush Gupta, an advocate.
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The petition raises concerns about the limited number of forensic laboratories in Uttar Pradesh. It also seeks rules to ensure that forensic samples are examined and reports are issued within a fixed period.
The High Court observed that the existing number of laboratories was insufficient considering the state’s size and population. It has asked the state’s Forensic Science Laboratory Director to file a detailed counter-affidavit within four weeks.
Why Did The Court Raise Concerns About Forensic Labs
Forensic science laboratories examine scientific evidence collected during criminal investigations. This evidence may include DNA samples, blood, fingerprints, weapons, documents and other materials connected with a crime.
Investigators and courts use forensic reports to understand the evidence and assess its importance in a case. Delays in these reports can slow down criminal investigations and court proceedings.
The petition highlights the problems that may arise when people remain in custody while waiting for forensic results. It also raises concerns about victims and their families who are waiting for justice in serious criminal cases.
What Does The PIL Seek From The Uttar Pradesh Government
The petition asks the state authorities to introduce clear rules for forensic examinations and the delivery of reports.
1. Fixed Deadlines For Forensic Reports
The petitioner has asked the government to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for forensic laboratories.
The SOP should set time limits for different types of forensic examinations. The deadlines would be calculated from the date a laboratory receives a sample.
2. Faster Testing In Important Criminal Cases
The petition seeks shorter deadlines or priority testing in cases where an accused person is in custody.
It also seeks priority processing in cases covered by Section 193(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), as specified in the petition.
3. Written Reasons For Delays
The petitioner has proposed that the laboratory director should record written reasons whenever a forensic report exceeds the prescribed deadline.
The petition also seeks a system for periodically reviewing delayed cases before a designated officer. This could help authorities identify pending reports and monitor delays.
4. More Forensic Science Laboratories
The PIL asks the state government to establish more forensic science laboratories across Uttar Pradesh.
The aim is to improve access to forensic testing and support the effective functioning of the criminal justice system.
How Can UP Forensic Lab Shortage Affect Criminal Cases
Forensic evidence can play an important role in cases involving murder, rape and other serious offences. Scientific reports may help investigators connect evidence with a crime or assess whether a particular allegation is supported.
When reports take too long, investigations and trials may face delays. In some cases, the absence of timely scientific evidence can also create difficulties for the prosecution.
The petition therefore highlights the importance of adequate laboratory facilities, clear deadlines and proper monitoring of pending reports. However, a delay in a forensic report does not automatically mean that a criminal case will fail.
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FAQs
The court asked the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Uttar Pradesh, to submit a detailed counter-affidavit within four weeks in response to a PIL seeking more laboratories and fixed deadlines for forensic reports.
The Allahabad High Court observed that Uttar Pradesh’s one State Forensic Science Laboratory and 12 Regional Forensic Science Laboratories were insufficient considering the state’s size and population.
The PIL seeks more forensic laboratories, fixed deadlines for different types of forensic examinations, priority processing in certain criminal cases and written reasons for delays beyond the prescribed deadlines.
