President Droupadi Murmu on Friday emphasised the need for more forensic experts in the country while addressing the third convocation at the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar. She highlighted the growing employment opportunities in the field of forensics following the enactment of three new criminal laws.
Murmu stated that July 1, 2024, marked a change in the justice system, as the three new criminal laws came into effect. She noted that forensic experts are now required to conduct investigations at crime scenes in cases where the punishment exceeds seven years.
Murmu underscored the increasing demand for forensic experts and reiterated that the establishment of NFSU was aimed at addressing this need. She said that more employment opportunities are emerging in the sector and encouraged students to seize these prospects.
She announced that forensic facilities would be upgraded across all states and that time-bound forensic investigations had been made mandatory.
She noted that changes had been introduced to strengthen forensic examination and investigation processes.
Murmu urged students to ensure the swift delivery of justice and emphasised that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from accessing justice.
She acknowledged that one of the key reasons for delays in the justice system is the inability to promptly examine large volumes of exhibits in forensic facilities.
She called for an increase in both forensic facilities and the number of experts to address this challenge. She expressed satisfaction that efforts are being made to enhance the forensic ecosystem through time-bound initiatives.
She also highlighted the impact of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, on crime, stating that while new ways to commit crimes are emerging, the capabilities of forensic experts are also advancing.
Murmu praised NFSU as a unique institution and noted the significant presence of women among the graduates. She remarked that women possess a strong inclination towards compassion, justice, and supporting weaker sections of society.
She expressed her delight that women had outnumbered men among the graduating students, with over 85 per cent of gold medallists being women. She stated that this reflected a future vision of a justice-based Viksit Bharat.
She concluded by asserting that a justice system is strong only when it is inclusive and serves weaker and deprived sections of society based on forensic evidence, ensuring impartial and timely justice. She encouraged students to adopt this as their guiding principle.
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