Shri Amit Shah Inaugurates New Building of Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Kolkata
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the newly constructed Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) building in Kolkata today. The facility, developed at a cost of ₹88 crore, will play a crucial role in strengthening the evidence-based criminal justice system across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, and the entire Northeast.
Towards an Evidence-Based Justice System
Shri Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Government of India is committed to building a secure, transparent, and evidence-driven criminal justice system. He stated that even the poorest citizen should be able to approach the police with dignity and receive timely justice.
A transformative shift is underway as India moves from argument-based justice to an evidence-based approach, ensuring the guilty are convicted and victims receive timely justice.
Key Highlights from Shri Amit Shah’s Address:
Charge Sheet Efficiency: After the implementation of the new criminal laws, nearly 60% of cases now see chargesheets filed within 60 days—a significant milestone.
Regional Support via CFSL Kolkata: The newly inaugurated facility will assist Eastern and Northeastern states in implementing forensic evidence-based procedures.
Cluster-Based FSL Network: The Modi government aims to create regional clusters of FSLs and launch a national campaign from January 2026 to train police officers, prosecutors, and judiciary personnel in forensic science.
Legal & Technological Advancements:
New laws such as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replace outdated British-era legislation.
These laws are designed to be future-ready, incorporating provisions for forensic tech, mobile forensics, DNA analysis, and psychological profiling.
Mandatory Forensics in Serious Crimes: For crimes with over 7 years’ imprisonment, forensic team visits are now mandatory.
Trial in Absentia: Provision for prosecuting absconders even without their presence using international treaties.
Forensic Infrastructure Expansion
Mobile Vans: The Centre supports forensic mobile vans in every district, with several states adding more based on FIR volume.
Educational Expansion:
16 National Forensic Science University (NFSU) campuses approved; 7 operational.
Goal: 36,000 trained forensic professionals annually from 26 campuses.
Upcoming: 9 NFSU campuses (₹1,300 crore) and 7 CFSLs (₹860 crore) in key states.
Modernization Plan:
₹2,080 crore project for forensic modernization.
Establishment of a National Forensic Data Centre at ₹200 crore.
A Commitment to Justice for All
Shri Amit Shah concluded by stating that true freedom is only realized when justice is accessible to every citizen. The government’s mission is to institutionalize forensic science at every level of the justice system, ensuring speed, transparency, and fairness.
