Kerala HC seeks details of steps taken to set up central forensic lab at T’puram

Kochi: High court has directed the state govt to provide details of the steps taken, if any, in response to a communication from the central govt dated Sept 3, 2024, granting permission to set up a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) at Thiruvananthapuram.HC issued the direction in response to the submission made by the Deputy Solicitor General of India, in reply to an earlier query of the court on whether a lab could be set up in the state, stating that the central govt had, in 2024, communicated to the state govt granting permission to establish a CFSL in Kerala. Recording the submission, the special bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C Jayachandran asked state govt to furnish details of the steps taken in the matter. HC was considering a petition filed by KeLSA regarding the lack of adequate recruitment of scientific assistants in the forensic science laboratories in the state, which has led to a heavy pendency of cases, including NDPS cases, that require scientific reports.During hearing on Friday, the state attorney placed on record a govt order dated March 14, creating 19 additional posts of scientific officers — five in the biology section, three in chemistry section and 11 in documents section. Previously, the state had stated that it had deferred a decision in the matter due to financial concerns. However, HC observed that the issue should not be deferred, as it would cause serious impediments in the disposal of criminal and similar matters where scientific expert evidence is required, which led to the issuance of the govt order creating additional posts.Upon perusing the order, HC directed Kerala State Public Service Commission to take necessary follow-up action as expeditiously as possible, keeping in mind the urgency of the situation, and sought an action taken report from the Commission by the next posting date. HC adjourned the petition to the second week of June.