Kolkata: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the new building of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Kolkata on Saturday, marking a major milestone in India’s push for a modern, evidence-driven criminal justice system. Built at a cost of ₹88 crore, the state-of-the-art facility is set to serve not just West Bengal but also Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, and all states of the Northeast.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, where the Union Home Secretary and other dignitaries were also present, Shah emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed to creating a secure, transparent, and scientifically grounded justice system. He described the CFSL Kolkata as a vital addition to this mission and a critical step toward bringing forensic science into the mainstream of police and judicial processes.
Amit Shah explained that the government is working to establish a nationwide network of forensic laboratories using a “cluster approach,” grouping three to four states together for efficient resource sharing. Beginning in January 2026, a campaign will be launched to take forensic science directly to police stations, aiming to establish its use as standard practice in courtrooms and investigations. He said this transformation from an argument-based to an evidence-based criminal justice system will prevent the guilty from escaping due to lack of proof and ensure timely justice for victims.
The Home Minister also announced the formal launch of Narcotics Version 2.0 and Explosives Version 2.0, which will simplify complex tasks for forensic labs across the country. He highlighted the urgent need to stay ahead of evolving crimes in the digital age, where financial scams and cybercrimes are becoming more sophisticated. He noted that forensic audits are now instrumental in exposing major frauds, and India’s justice system is entering a new technological era.
Referring to the three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—Shah said these reforms are designed to protect the constitutional rights of Indian citizens and bring about a revolutionary shift in the country’s legal framework. He said these laws, which replace colonial-era legislation, have already incorporated anticipated technological changes for the next 100 years, ensuring that India’s justice system remains robust and future-ready.
The new legal framework mandates forensic involvement in all cases where the punishment exceeds seven years, and there is now a legal provision for filing chargesheets within 60 days. Shah noted that nearly 60 percent of such cases are currently meeting this timeline, a significant improvement in judicial efficiency. He also pointed out that under the new laws, trials can proceed even in the absence of absconding accused, and international agreements will be used to bring them back to face justice.
Amit Shah stated that all 17,184 police stations in the country are now connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), with data being generated and shared in real time. He added that the Centre is supporting the deployment of at least one forensic mobile van per district, with several states expanding the fleet further based on the volume of registered cases.
On the education front, Shah revealed that 16 campuses of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) have been approved, with seven already functional. Colleges under NFSU will be set up in every major state, ensuring the availability of trained forensic professionals. Around 36,000 students are expected to graduate annually from these institutions, exceeding the country’s current requirement of 30,000 trained experts per year.
He further announced that nine additional NFSU campuses would be built at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, and seven new CFSLs would be established in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar, at a cost of ₹860 crore. A national forensic data centre will also be developed with an investment of ₹200 crore as part of a ₹2,080 crore modernization plan for forensic infrastructure.
Concluding his remarks, Shah said that the spirit of freedom infused in the Constitution by its framers is now being truly realized through reforms like these. He said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that even the poorest citizen can enter a police station with dignity and walk out with justice. By combining modern forensic science with a strong legal foundation, the government is building a justice system that is fair, fast, and rooted in evidence.
