Role Of DNA Forensics In Rape Cases: A Socio- Legal Study In India

Dr. Deepti Singla, Assistant Professor of Law, Amity Law School, Amity University Punjab, Mohali

ABSTRACT

Forensic science plays a significant role in criminal cases which are especially based on circumstantial evidence. It could help in linking the crime with the criminal. Since ages human identification had been the major issue to solve criminal cases. Serology, blood grouping, fingerprints, CCTV footage and DNA testing had mostly helped in identification of the criminals in rape cases where there were no witnesses or if witnesses were there, but they turned hostile. Crimes, specifically talking about rape cases, largely is something that is on the rise across the world. As per the 2021 annual report of the National Crime Reports Bureau (NCRB) there has been drastic increase in rape cases across the country (herein talking specifically about India). This area of research has always inclined me to know that what is the relevance of DNA evidence in rape cases in India. Advanced countries such as UK and US have succeeded in instilling fear of being caught in criminals' mind with the use of DNA technology, deterring heinous crimes like that of rapes. In India, as well, DNA has been extensively used in linking rape crimes with the criminals. Earlier DNA was not much used in courts but with growing pace, there is much awareness about DNA technology in India and its biggest example is the Priyadarshini Matto and Nirbhaya case, etc. to name a few. Moreover, in the recent years, criminal justice functionaries are regularly using this technology to speed up the criminal proceedings.

Keywords: Crimes, Rape, Murder, NCRB, DNA, India, Priyadarshini Mattoo, Nirbhaya.