Mini forensic labs in every district not necessary: govt to HC

Maharashtra government today told the Bombay High Court that it was not necessary to set up mini forensic laboratories in every district as the regional labs were enough to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies.
The court has converted a media report, which claims that 21 districts in the state do not have forensic facilities, into 'a suo motu' (on its own) public interest litigation.
At the last hearing, the court had asked the state to consider setting up mini laboratories at the district level to facilitate speedy investigations.
However, today the government said it would not be necessary to have forensic lab in every district.

A division bench headed by justice Abhay Oka, however, asked the government to produce files with regard to the decision taken on the issue and posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
The judges, after reading an affidavit filed by Joint Director, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, had earlier noted that government did not consider the suggestion of amicus curiae advocate Sarang Kotwal on having mini-labs in all districts to avoid delays.
"Blood samples have to be sent to regional labs. It is in the interest of the state to facilitate quick and proper investigation," Justice Oka had observed.

At present there are forensic laboratories at Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Amravati. Two more labs are coming up in Kolhapur and Nanded.