In the current scenario of society where crime rates have an uncontrollable growth the necessity of forensic methods are used extensively for recognizing the culprit particularly in the absence of any visible physical evidence in the crime scene. The National Forensic Sciences University Act was enacted on September 2020 with eight chapters and 55 sections with the object of establishing forensic university of national importance promoting studies and research or any matter related to the Forensic. The Head Quarters is at Gujarat and the campuses is the incorporation of Gujarat forensic sciences University and Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National institute of Criminology and foreign sciences. University is a body corporate having perpetual succession and common seal with power subject to the provisions in the act. Other than being a university of National Importance it has also conferred the Status of “Centre of Excellence” and “Institute of strategic or security Related Interest” by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Section 6 enumerates the objectives of the university focusing mainly on the academics, training, research, skill development in the forensic along with behavioral science studies, law, criminology and all other related areas for the development of forensic studies. As per Section 8 the jurisdiction of the Act extends to whole of India and section 9 confers power to open to all irrespective of caste, creed and race, social or economic back ground. Chapter 3 deals with the authorities of university and Chapter 4 states the audit and accounts where receipt of fund from central Government is allowed. Chapter 5 section 39 states the appointment of officers of the university in accordance with the procedure in statute except for the appointment of Vice chancellor. All other appointments for or above the rank of Assistant Professor are made by Board of Governors or by Vice Chancellor subject to the provisions of the statute. Section 41 of chapter 6 states the making of statutes with the prior approval of central government by the Board of Governors. Section 42 enumerates the Ordinances made for the admission and enrolment of students, courses offered, diplomas, degree certificate from the university, the medium of instruction and examination, conditions regarding the accommodation of students, special preparation for the residence of women students, establishment of board of studies, specialized laboratories and committees.Chapter 7 deals with the Arbitration Tribunal where the disputes between the university, students and employees are heard and decided and the decision of the Tribunal is final and absolute. Chapter 8 deals with the miscellaneous provision including the residuary power of Board of Governors that is absolute stated in section 52(2).
The Act is unique and landmark act that gives prominence to the necessity of application Forensic methods and techniques for proving any crime beyond doubt with proper scientific explanation. The act also promotes the development and maintenance of forensic data base including DNA, voice, drugs, finger prints, counterfeiting currency or any matters to be sorted out in a crime other than the regular investigation procedures.
