SRINAGAR, JULY 31: A batch of 40 trainee Civil Judges, accompanied by the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, Friday visited the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Srinagar as part of an exposure programme aimed at enhancing their understanding of the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system.
The programme, as per an official statement, commenced with an introductory presentation by Sheikh Suhail Ahmad, Scientific Officer, Fingerprints Division, who briefed the participants on the mandate, organizational structure, scientific capabilities, and pivotal role of FSL Srinagar in assisting investigating agencies and the judiciary through scientific examination of evidence.
The participants were subsequently taken on a guided tour of the laboratory, coordinated by Dr. Rais Ahmad, Scientific Officer, Narcotics & Chemical Division, and Sheikh Suhail Ahmad, Scientific Officer, Fingerprints Division.
During the visit, the trainee judges interacted with experts across various forensic disciplines and were briefed by the respective Scientific Officers on the functioning of their divisions, modern analytical techniques, sophisticated instrumentation, quality assurance practices, and the scientific procedures followed in the examination of forensic exhibits.
Later, Dr. Qazi Danish Mushtaq , Deputy Director JKFSL Srinagar interacted with the visiting judicial officers regarding functioning of the District Mobile Forensic Units (DMFUs). He highlighted the crucial role of the mobile forensic units in providing on-the-spot scientific assistance at crime scenes, ensuring proper collection, preservation, and documentation of physical evidence, and facilitating timely forensic support to investigating agencies across the Union Territory.
The exposure programme offered the trainee judicial officers valuable insights into the practical application of forensic science in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. The participants actively interacted with the forensic experts, discussing the evidentiary value of scientific findings and the significance of forensic reports in ensuring fair and effective administration of justice.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Director, J&K FSL Srinagar, stated that “The criminal justice system increasingly relies on scientific evidence. Such exposure visits strengthen the understanding of judicial officers regarding forensic processes and promote closer coordination between the judiciary and forensic experts for the effective delivery of justice.”
Sheikh Suhail Ahmad emphasized that “The objective of the programme is to familiarize judicial officers with the capabilities of modern forensic science and to provide them with firsthand exposure to the scientific procedures adopted in the laboratory.”
The visiting officers appreciated the state-of-the-art facilities and professional expertise available at FSL Srinagar and described the interaction as highly informative and beneficial. The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continued collaboration between the judiciary and forensic institutions in strengthening the criminal justice system.
