India’s Forensics Act 2022 marks a shift away from colonial-era framework, says National Law University VC

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India’s criminal investigation system operated for decades under the colonial-era Prisoner Identification Act of 1920, which restricted the collection of scientific evidence, but the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 significantly modernized the forensic framework, said Prof. Devinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor Dr.BRAN National Law BR University located in Sonipat (BRAN) Ambedkar National Law BR

Prof. Singh made his remarks while presenting a paper at the 24th Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS-2026) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

He stated in his paper that the 1920 Act limited forensic modernization in India.

The 2022 legislation, he noted, expanded the scope of criminal investigations by allowing the collection of advanced biometric and forensic evidence, including iris and retina scans, DNA-based biological samples, signature samples, handwriting samples and voice recordings.

According to Professor Singh, these changes brought India’s investigative procedures closer to internationally recognized scientific standards. He also emphasized the need for national forensic standardization protocols, secure digital infrastructure and technology-driven judicial systems while ensuring constitutional guarantees and protection of individual rights.

The conference, which took place from 25 to 30 May, brought together forensic experts, legal scholars and investigators from around the world.

Published – 30 May 2026 10:20 AM IST