In Praveen Pal v/s State of UP, the Allahabad High Court expressed its displeasure over the delay in the examination of materials in forensic labs for criminal trials. The Court also noted that such delays have become routine now and also directed the Director-General of Police, U.P., and the Home Secretary, Uttar Pradesh to inform the court about the steps taken by them to expedite the analysis of materials in the labs. It also took notice of the tendency of the prosecution to file forensic reports as supplementary charge sheets at a much later stage leaving the accused to suffer the rigours of jail.
The facts in the instant case were that this was the accused’s second bail application. His first bail application was rejected in March 2020 with directions to the district court to expedite the trial. However, the second bail application stated that he was in jail since April 2018 and the trial hasn’t been concluded to date. Meerut district judge was asked to send the report on the same, and in the report, it was stated that despite various reminders, FSL Agra has not sent the forensic analysis.
Noting the same, the Court observed that "The delayed examination of material in the Forensic Lab appears to be a routine now. In spite of the order of this Court and also various orders of other Courts, the system has not improved and it appears that the same has no effect and there is no anxiety by anyone to improve the system. The present case is a glaring example of it. The applicant is in jail since 23.04.2018. The only impediment in the conclusion of trial as of now is non-receipt of the report of the Forensic Lab."
Further, the Court also observed that report of an analyst is an integral part of an investigation and it can make or break the case of the accused.
Therefore, issuing a strict advisory to prevent delay in the examination of relevant materials for filing of the forensic report, the Court has also summoned the Director FSL, Agra to come and explain the reason for the delay despite reminders on the next date.