Maharashtra’s justice delivery has received a turbo boost, thanks to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s strategic intervention in tackling forensic lab delays. Committed to ‘Justice for All, Swift Justice,’ the administration is plugging gaps in the forensic chain, prioritizing quick resolutions under updated criminal statutes.
Launching a targeted operation, Fadnavis mandated regular reviews to accelerate case disposals at Forensic Science Laboratories. Beginning 2025 with 181,000 pending matters and absorbing 294,000 fresh ones, the directorate achieved a monumental disposal of 396,879 cases by December’s close, trimming the backlog to 79,542.
Beyond routine targets, employees logged 12-hour days and holiday shifts, exceeding projected outputs by over 100,000 cases. The Conventional Forensic unit led with 396,275 clearances, pledging same-day analysis for incoming cases from February 2026 onward. Momentum extends to specialized units handling cybercrimes, digital forensics, and multimedia evidence.
Victims stand to gain immensely as prolonged waits fade into history. Emphasizing empowerment, Fadnavis is equipping sub-divisional police stations with mobile forensic units. This comprehensive reform not only streamlines processes but also enhances accuracy, heralding an era of responsive, victim-centric justice in the state.