Delhi Forensic Laboratory Cuts Case Backlog by Nearly 79%, New ₹151.8 Crore Facility Approved
Delhi's forensic laboratory reports a nearly 79% reduction in pending cases, with a new ₹151.8 crore facility approved to strengthen forensic services.
Delhi's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has reduced its pending examination cases by nearly 79% over the past year, while the government has approved a new ₹151.80 crore regional forensic laboratory to expand evidence-testing capacity.
According to figures released by the Delhi government and reported on November 5, the laboratory's backlog fell from approximately 27,000 cases to 5,700, representing a reduction of 78.88%.
The government attributed the improvement to administrative changes, additional scientific equipment, improved laboratory infrastructure, and measures to address staffing shortages.
The reduction is significant because forensic laboratories examine evidence that can influence criminal investigations and court proceedings. Delays in DNA analysis, toxicology testing, firearm examinations, and other forensic disciplines can affect how quickly investigators receive scientific findings.
To further strengthen laboratory capacity, the government has approved a Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at Sheikh Sarai.
The proposed facility will support the existing FSL in Rohini, helping distribute examination workloads and accommodate future demand for forensic services.
Officials also outlined plans to modernise existing facilities, introduce additional technical equipment, fill vacant positions, and retain experienced contractual personnel.
However, the reported backlog reduction does not independently establish whether examination quality, average turnaround times, or case-specific accuracy have improved.
Those outcomes require separate performance measures, including laboratory validation records, quality assurance findings, and the time taken to complete different categories of forensic examinations.
The government has not announced a confirmed opening date or detailed specialisations for the new Sheikh Sarai facility.
The development highlights how laboratory staffing, infrastructure, and evidence-processing capacity directly affect the delivery of forensic services.