Supreme Court Directions on DNA : A step towards standardised criminal investigation
Context
The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025), issued uniform guidelines for the collection, preservation, and presentation of DNA samples in criminal investigations.
- The case involved rape, murder, and robbery, where forensic evidence was crucial.
- The judgment addresses the long-standing concern over mishandling and contamination of DNA samples, which often weakened prosecution cases.
What it is?
- A landmark set of four procedural guidelines framed by the Supreme Court.
- Aim: To ensure integrity, reliability, and timely handling of DNA evidence.
- Seeks to standardise the chain of custody across States, even though policing is a State subject.
Key Features of Guidelines
- Proper Documentation
- Each DNA sample must be packaged with:
- FIR details
- Relevant IPC sections
- Names of Investigating Officer, medical officer, and independent witnesses
- This ensures traceability from the very beginning.
- Each DNA sample must be packaged with:
- Timely Dispatch – 48-Hour Rule
- DNA samples must be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) within 48 hours.
- Any delay must be justified in writing.
- Proper refrigeration/preservation is mandatory during storage.
- No Tampering During Storage
- Once sealed, the package cannot be opened, altered, or resealed without the explicit permission of the trial court.
- Strengthens the authenticity and credibility of forensic evidence.
- Chain of Custody Register
- A dedicated register must record every stage of transfer—from collection to court disposal.
- All handlers must sign to maintain accountability.
Judicial Precedents on DNA Evidence
- Anil v. State of Maharashtra (2014): DNA profile upheld as valid, but dependent on lab quality control.
- Manoj v. State of MP (2022): DNA report rejected due to contamination risk at an open recovery site.
- Rahul v. State of Delhi (2022): DNA report rejected as samples were kept in Malkhana for 2 months without safeguards.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Kattavellai @ Devakar (2025) is a milestone in strengthening forensic science in India’s criminal justice system. By mandating strict documentation, a 48-hour dispatch rule, tamper-proof storage, and detailed chain of custody, the Court has enhanced the credibility of DNA evidence. These guidelines will not only ensure fair trial standards but also help prevent wrongful convictions arising from mishandled forensic material.
Source : The Hindu
