The Supreme Court has asked the Union Home Ministry for a progress report on implementing the National DNA Data Bank under the 2019 DNA Technology Act. This move could revolutionize forensic justice in India.

A Silent Frontier in India’s Criminal Justice Reform

On 26 July 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Forensic Science Laboratory to provide a detailed status report on the implementation of the National DNA Data Bank, as mandated under the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Act, 2019.

A bench led by Justice S.S. Menon underscored the urgent need to decentralize DNA evidence usage. He stressed that forensic support should not be confined to major metropolitan cities but must serve all states and regions.

A System Cumbersome in Practice

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Court pointed out serious gaps:

• Most states lack NABL-accredited forensic laboratories.

• There is a severe shortage of trained personnel to handle DNA sample collection and analysis.

• Inadequate funding and infrastructure have delayed justice in numerous criminal cases.

As a result, many lower courts face backlogs due to the unavailability of timely and credible forensic reports—leading to delayed verdicts and compromised investigations.

Bench Demands Accountability and Urgency

Justice Menon observed that without a functioning national DNA database, the DNA law remains ineffective. He warned that poor or delayed forensic analysis could undermine the constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Strict Reporting Timeline for the Government

The Bench has given the Union Home Ministry a strict deadline of four weeks to submit a comprehensive status report covering:

1. State-Wise Lab Assessment

• Operational status of DNA labs

• Availability of qualified forensic personnel

2. Accreditation Timeline

• Timeline for accrediting labs in unserved or under-served states

3. Budget Utilisation Report

• Detailed expenditure report on the funds disbursed under the 2019 Act

• Status of fund allocation and usage by state governments

Towards a Forensic-First Criminal Justice System

Legal and forensic experts believe this directive from the apex court could revolutionize criminal case investigation in India. A well-functioning DNA data system is expected to:

• Increase conviction accuracy

• Reduce trial pendency

• Ensure equal access to forensic justice across the country

As Justice Menon stated, “Science, not delay, should be the rule of law.”