National Forensic Sciences University Act

The National Forensic Sciences University Act of 2020 was enacted on September 28 2020 to establish ‘National Forensic Sciences University,’ an institution of national importance. The aim of the university is to enhance studies and research associated with forensics.

The University should pioneer the combination of theoretical forensics with applied behavioural science to study law, criminology, technology, and other allied areas.

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science is a scientific discipline to scrutinise crime scenes or analyse crucial evidence presented in a court of law. Proven scientific methods are used to perform forensic activities. Forensic science, including fingerprint and DNA analysis, wildlife forensics, and anthropology, is a critical aspect of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists analyse evidence from crime scenes to help investigate a criminal case. Results from forensic analysis may nab a perpetrator of a crime or absolve an innocent person of all suspicion of participation in a crime.

Establishment of the University

The National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 2020, was passed by the Lok Sabha on September 20, 2020, and subsequently passed by the Rajya Sabha on September 22, 2020. This Bill proposed the amalgamation of Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (established by Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Act, 2008) and the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences, New Delhi, into a single University called the National Forensic Sciences University at Gujarat.

The proposed university has been declared as a university of national importance by the Bill. The Bill also repealed the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Act of 2008.

Objectives and Functions of the University

The following are the primary objectives of the National Forensic Sciences University at Gujarat:

• Foster a system of study that could enhance academic learning and practices in forensic science. The act encourages merging forensic science with applied behavioural science studies, law, criminology, legal studies and other allied areas and technology, through appropriate training, skill development, and research. The law tends to extend the work to emerging areas to strengthen criminal justice institutions in the country.
• Improve research facilities in the fields of forensic science, law, legal studies, applied behavioural science, and other allied areas.
• Create a space for a global level of education, training, and research for the overall development of skills, aptitude, and knowledge within and outside the country at various levels in law, legal studies, allied areas, and technology.
• Establish efficient coordination between the Central and State governments to improve the investigation of crime conspiracies. The Act would start new projects and research, funded by the Central Government and State Government, to investigate, detect, and prevent crime.
• Assist and advise the Central Government, State Government, and Union Territory Administrations in formulating policies relevant to forensic science, applied behavioural science, law, legal studies, criminology, and technology.
• Establish networking and coordination with specialised institutions to expand the ambit of forensic science, behavioural science, law, criminology, other allied areas.
• Establish education both off-site and off-shore centres, benefitting training and research.
• Provide Central and State Governments with forensic science laboratories. Furthermore, establish specifications and standard operating procedures required for forensic equipment and kits for forensic work in the country.
• Set up novel institutions, schools, and colleges to impart education, training, and research in forensic science, cyber security, digital forensics, behavioural science, technology, and management.
• Undertake special projects for Central and State Governments.
• Discard projects inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
• Help the Central Government to create and maintain a national forensic database required for criminal investigation, for example, fingerprints, voice, deoxyribonucleic acid, firearms, counterfeit currency, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.
• Provide a distance education system to people.
• Affiliate colleges and institutions of higher learning. The act can also withdraw such recognition from colleges and institutions.
• Regulate the discipline of students of the University and make appropriate arrangements for promoting their health, general welfare, cultural and corporate life.
• Create non-teaching, administrative, and ministerial posts and appoint eligible candidates.
• Admit students from abroad, overseas citizens of India card holders, persons of Indian origin, non-resident Indians, and children of Indian workers in Gulf and South-East Asian countries.

Authorities of the University

The following authorities maintain the efficiency of the University.

• Chancellor- Head of the University.
• Court – Sets up new policies and programmes essential for the University and reviews existing policies.
• Board of Governors – Prime executive body
• Academic Council – Sets up policies regarding the academic curriculum of the University.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors comprising the Vice-Chancellor (appointed by the Central Government), the Financial Adviser (Ministry of Home Affairs), and five eminent people from forensic science and criminology manages the affairs of the University. These hold their office for three years.

The functions of the Board include the following:

• Decision-making and policy-making related to the working of the University.
• Introduction of new courses of study in the University.
• Distributes powers to various authorities of the University and specifies the composition of the University.

Fund

The University is funded by the following:

(i) Contributions by Central and State governments,

(ii) Gifts, grants, and donations,

(iii) Fees of the students and,

(iv) Amounts received from any other source.

Expenditure of these funds is regulated by the Finance Committee, which is based on the approved recommendations.

Conclusion

The vision of the Bill has been achieved by the National Forensic Sciences University. Because crimes have become increasingly sophisticated with advanced modus operandi, the establishment of the institution has come at an opportune time. This institution is expected to provide us with brilliant and talented scientists.