Aurthor: Ananya Sachdeva, a student of IILM University, Gurugram
TO THE POINT
In rape trials, forensic evidence is essential because it offers unbiased, scientific proof that supports testimony, establishes facts, and fortifies legal arguments. In order to connect the accused to the crime, medical reports are essential for recording injuries, indications of struggle, and genital inspections. They also gather biological samples, such as blood, saliva, or semen. DNA profiling, in particular, is a potent technique for accurately identifying or ruling out suspects, connecting the accused and victim, and supporting the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, traces of the crime, such as hair, fibers, or skin cells, provide additional proof that it happened.Credibility is increased and the defense has limited opportunity to contest forensic findings, which frequently support the victim’s story. Issues like sample contamination, incorrect handling, or postponed reporting, however, can compromise the validity of the evidence. In spite of these drawbacks, courts are depending more and more on forensic evidence to provide unbiased and objective rulings, supplementing witness testimony in situations when eyewitness accounts are not available. In order to ensure justice via scientific accuracy, forensic evidence—specifically, medical reports and DNA analysis—has revolutionized the investigation and prosecution of rape cases.
USE OF LEGAL JARGON
A key component in the resolution of rape cases, forensic evidence provides corroborative and probative value to support accusations. Prima facie evidence is provided by medical reports, which painstakingly record physical damage, resistive symptoms, and genital injuries in addition to the collection of biological materials such blood, semen, or epithelial cells. The burden of proof under criminal law is satisfied by DNA profiling, which is acknowledged as conclusive evidence and serves as a crucial component in proving the connection between the accused and the offense.
Fibers, hair, or skin cells are examples of trace evidence that supports the prosecution’s case and strengthens the evidential matrix. Since any violation or contamination could render the evidence inadmissible, the chain of custody is crucial to preserving its integrity. Even though forensic results are crucial in supporting the prosecutrix’s testimony, issues including reporting delays, procedural errors, or forensic deterioration can result in insufficient evidence.
In situations when there is no direct eyewitness testimony, courts have treated forensic science as res ipsa loquitur, emphasizing its evidentiary importance. As a result, the incorporation of forensic evidence, such as DNA analysis and medical records, guarantees the preservation of the fair trial principle while administering justice with scientific accuracy.
THE PROOF
Legal precedents and statutory requirements have established the probative value of forensic evidence in rape cases, highlighting its importance in upholding justice. The significance of DNA profiling and medical reports as vital resources for supporting the prosecutrix’s testimony has been continuously maintained by courts. The Supreme Court highlighted the evidential relevance of medical reports in State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh (1996), emphasizing their function in supporting claims of sexual assault. Similarly, DNA evidence was utilized as decisive proof in the historic case of Mukesh & Anr v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2017), connecting the defendants to the crime and ensuring their conviction in the Nirbhaya case.According to the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 184 requires the victim to undergo a medical examination in order to ensure that forensic evidence is collected promptly. Additionally, Section 48 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, allows the use of DNA tests to confirm facts and establish identity. Together, these clauses and court rulings highlight the critical significance that forensic evidence plays in deciding rape cases.
ABSTRACT
A key component in the resolution of rape cases, forensic evidence offers scientific objectivity and precision to bolster court proceedings. This article looks at how important DNA profiling and medical reports are in supporting the prosecutrix’s account and connecting the accused to the crime. It explores the legal frameworks that regulate the gathering and admissibility of forensic evidence, such as the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 and the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. By examining seminal rulings, the paper addresses issues like as contamination and procedural errors while emphasizing the evidentiary value of forensic research. In order to ensure justice and preserve the integrity of the legal system, the conversation emphasizes how crucial forensic evidence is.
CASE LAWS
State of Maharashtra vs. Chandraprakash Kewalchand 1990 (1) SCC 550
the court stated that the presence of semen on the clothes of the prosecutrix, instead of vagina, will not be a doubt and it will be considered as evidence. In case of Married women, the presence of semen on her clothes or her genitals will not be sufficient evidence of rape.
Gurdip vs. State 1975 Cut LR 20
The body should be examined carefully and properly for marks of violence, such as scratches, bruises etc , especially on the breast, wrist, chest, inner aspect of thigh and back etc. But absence of resistance marks is not a proof to disbelieve the case of rape.
Delhi Gang Rape Case
In this case, forensic science proved crucial since the bus was identified from the highway CCTV footage and an account provided by the victim regarding the car. Examining the confiscated metal rods and the victim’s clothing revealed that the victims had been beaten with an iron rod, as evidenced by the bloodstain discovered on the rod. The victim’s clothing, blood, semen, the accused’s tissues, and vaginal secretions were all examined to determine that rape had occurred.
Shimla Rape Case
To solve the rape case, the CBI needed a good nine months. The sixteen-year-old girl was brutally murdered after being abducted and raped. Since her body could not be identified, it was discovered in Himachal Pradesh’s deep forest. However, the suspects in the crime and the identification of the body were able to determine outside. Carefully and appropriately, all of the evidence that was present at the site was gathered, including blood samples, semen, and liquor bottles.In order to match the semen and DNA, blood samples from 250 local residents were gathered in order to identify the body and identify the criminal suspects. When the CFSL began identifying the DNA of Initial findings were negative for 250 individuals who had the accused’s semen. Then, for each of the 250 samples, CFSL performed “Percentage Test” and “Lineage Test,” and the results matched those of the sample.One of the Kangra-based families was included in the sample. It was discovered that one of the family members has been absent since 2016. The samples then matched that specific relative. This gave the CBI a sure and straightforward method to identify the suspects.
Bhagwat Prakash vs. State AIR 1956 A1122
It is a strong piece of circumstantial evidence but by no means, conclusive.
CONCLUSION
The use of forensic evidence, such as DNA profiling and medical reports, is crucial to the investigation and prosecution of rape cases because it offers unbiased, scientific backing for claims and fortifies the evidence base. In the legal process, forensic tools guarantee greater precision and impartiality by connecting the accused to the crime site and confirming the victim’s testimony. When combined with court rulings, statutory measures like those included in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 and the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 have brought attention to the vital role that forensic science plays in bringing about justice.The judicial system is becoming more robust and dependable as a result of improvements in forensic techniques, which continue to address issues like procedural errors or evidentiary contamination. In the end, the use of forensic evidence in the criminal justice system strengthens the prosecution’s case and bolsters public trust in the fight for victims of sexual assault.
FAQS
What is forensic evidence in rape case?
Scientific data gathered during a criminal investigation, including medical reports, DNA samples, biological fluids, and trace evidence (hair, fibers, etc.), is referred to as forensic evidence. Forensic evidence is used in rape trials to prove the crime was committed, identify the offender, and support the victim’s account.
How is DNA used as forensic evidence in rape case?
The process of DNA profiling involves comparing the accused’s DNA with biological samples (such as blood, saliva, or semen) recovered from the crime scene. It is regarded as very reliable and definitive proof, which makes it an effective instrument for connecting the defendant to the offense.
Can forensic evidence alone convict someone in a rape case?
Although forensic evidence is essential, it is usually combined with other circumstantial evidence and witness testimony to create a compelling case. Although it is an essential instrument for supporting or refuting assertions, courts will take into account all available evidence.
What are the challenges in using forensic evidence in rape case?
Evidence contamination, incorrect handling, delays in gathering evidence, and the inability to get definitive conclusions because of the gap between the crime and the investigation are some of the difficulties. Certain types of evidence can also not be available or useful in particular situations.
How reliable is forensic evidence in modern raoe trials?
Forensic evidence is now quite trustworthy thanks to developments in forensic science, such as DNA analysis and other technology. However, correct treatment, prompt gathering, and precise analysis are necessary to maintain the integrity of the evidence.