Wrongful convictions undermine justice and erode public confidence in the legal system. Bihar, in particular, faces severe forensic deficiencies that hinder fair and timely justice. The state suffers from inadequate forensic infrastructure, prolonged delays in evidence analysis, and a critical shortage of trained experts. The overburdened State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Patna struggles with an increasing caseload, leading to forensic backlogs that delay trials and contribute to wrongful arrests and prolonged pre-trial detentions. The absence of regional forensic laboratories further exacerbates these challenges, forcing law enforcement agencies to rely on limited resources, often resulting in compromised investigations. This study critically examines forensic plights in Bihar, including key case studies such as the 2012 Gaya custodial death case and the Muzaffarpur shelter home abuse case, where forensic shortcomings obstructed justice. It identifies systemic gaps in forensic methodologies, the lack of standardized forensic procedures, judicial overreliance on flawed forensic evidence, and the absence of a coherent state policy to address these issues. To enhance forensic reliability and prevent wrongful convictions, this paper recommends urgent reforms, including the expansion of forensic infrastructure, the establishment of regional forensic laboratories, standardizing forensic protocols, mandatory forensic training for law enforcement and judicial officers, and increased state investment in forensic education and technology. Bihar’s forensic crisis exemplifies the pressing need for state-level reforms, which, if effectively implemented, can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. Addressing these deficiencies will ensure that forensic science serves as a powerful tool in preventing wrongful convictions, reinforcing the credibility of Bihar’s legal system, and delivering scientifically sound and ethically fair justice. This study underscores the urgent need for Bihar-specific policy interventions to enhance the accuracy, accessibility, and effectiveness of forensic evidence.
Dwivedi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.