Forensic Fingerprint Identification In India: Scientific Reliability, Constitutional Challenges, And Evidentiary Admissibility In Criminal Justice
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Yuvashree NV, The Tamilnadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, Chennai
ABSTRACT
Forensic fingerprint identification remains one of the most widely accepted methods of personal identification within modern criminal justice systems because of its scientific reliability, permanence, and evidentiary significance. The uniqueness of friction ridge patterns has enabled investigating agencies and courts to utilize fingerprint evidence as an effective forensic tool for establishing identity and connecting accused persons with criminal activity. Over the years, advancements in forensic technologies such as Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), biometric databases, and digital imaging techniques have significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of fingerprint examination during criminal investigations. Despite its scientific acceptance, fingerprint evidence continues to generate important legal, constitutional, and procedural concerns. Issues relating to improper collection methods, examiner bias, partial fingerprints, contamination of crime scenes, and technological inaccuracies may adversely affect the reliability of forensic conclusions and potentially contribute to wrongful convictions. Additionally, the increasing use of biometric surveillance systems and centralized fingerprint databases has raised significant concerns relating to privacy rights, unauthorized data retention, and excessive state surveillance. The recognition of privacy as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India has further intensified debates concerning the constitutional limits governing the collection and use of biometric information by law enforcement authorities.
This paper critically examines the scientific foundations of fingerprint identification, the legal framework governing fingerprint evidence in India, and important judicial decisions relating to evidentiary admissibility and constitutional safeguards. The study additionally analyses the impact of the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 upon biometric governance and forensic administration. The paper concludes by proposing reforms aimed at strengthening forensic accountability, scientific standardization, procedural
safeguards, and privacy protection within the Indian criminal justice system.
Keywords: Forensic Fingerprint Identification; Forensic Science; Criminal Justice System; Biometric Evidence; Privacy Rights
