DCW seeks details of samples pending at FSL

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Wednesday sought details about steps proposed by the department for reducing pendency of samples at Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

The move came after the DCW was informed by the director, FSL, that as many as 1,479 samples, with validity of one year, pending since 2011 have expired and accurate report can no longer be prepared.

As many as 2,169 samples, pending since 2014, may have already expired or may be on the verge of expiry.

"The fact that 1,469 samples have been lying in the FSL since 2011 and may no longer produce accurate results is a huge blow to the victims of grievous crimes of gang-rapes and rapes of children and women," DCW chief Swati Maliwal wrote in a letter to principal secretary (home) S.N. Sahai.

"Such lapses are unacceptable as they result in denial of justice to the victims."

She said while it was ensured by the court that judgment in Uber rape case was passed in one year, hundreds of other heinous cases of crimes against women await justice as reports from FSL are yet to come.

In the notice, Maliwal sought details of the officer responsible for expiration of samples and steps taken to ensure that high pendency of cases is reduced.

DCW also noted that total 203 posts are vacant at FSL since several years.

She also sought the details of the status of five proposed forensic science laboratories announced by the Delhi government and estimated time period in which the same would become functional.