The promise of justice in India has too often been undermined by delay. For decades, citizens have watched cases drag on for years, sometimes decades, eroding faith in institutions meant to protect them. Today, however, a new vision is emerging; one that seeks to align speed with fairness, and science with law.
At the heart of this transformation is the integration of forensic science and digital technology into the criminal justice framework. The ambition is striking: by 2029, the entire judicial process; from the registration of a case to its final adjudication in the Supreme Court, should be completed within three years. If realized, this would mark a historic shift in how justice is delivered in India.
Forensic laboratories are being empowered to send reports directly to courts, ensuring transparency and reducing delays. Videography of seizures has been made mandatory, strengthening the chain of custody and protecting both investigators and accused from false allegations. Digital and electronic evidence has been clearly defined and legally recognized, a crucial step in an era where cybercrime, organized crime, terrorism and digital fraud are increasingly prevalent.
Every police station is now connected through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems, making FIRs accessible on a central server. Databases on fingerprints, narco offenders, human trafficking, and terrorism cases are being consolidated, creating a secure digital backbone for investigations. Initiatives such as e-Summons, e-Sakshya, e-FIR, and Zero FIR are reshaping how citizens interact with the justice system, while provisions like trial in absentia reflect a determination to reduce procedural loopholes.
Over the next five years, around Rs 30,000 crore will be directed toward building a nationwide forensic laboratory network, alongside uniform national standards. Already, seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories exist, with eight more under establishment. Every state and union territory will soon host either a forensic university campus or a central laboratory. Grants have been extended to strengthen state-level facilities, forensic vans, and regional units, while 143 laboratories have been integrated with the e-Forensics IT platform.
Parallel to infrastructure, human resource development is being prioritized. National Forensic Sciences University has expanded rapidly, with 14 campuses, over 100 training programs, and a placement record that speaks to the demand for skilled professionals. By 2029, an estimated 35,000 students will be studying forensics, while tens of thousands of officers are expected to undergo specialized training. The university’s patents, international collaborations, and adoption of AI-based analysis signal a commitment to innovation and global standards.
Early results suggest that these reforms are beginning to bear fruit. Convictions in serious cases have been secured within weeks, a pace unimaginable in the past. While these examples are encouraging, they also highlight the importance of sustaining momentum. A justice system that relies on speed must also ensure fairness, accuracy, and respect for rights. Forensic science, while powerful, is not infallible; its integration must be accompanied by rigorous checks, ethical safeguards, and continuous oversight.
The broader implication of these reforms is clear: justice delivery is being reimagined not as a slow, uncertain process but as a system driven by science, technology, and accountability. If the vision of completing judicial processes within three years is realized, it will mark a historic shift in how citizens experience justice.