Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state’s chief secretary to submit a factual report regarding delays in Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) testing, which is causing extended judicial custody for numerous accused individuals. The bench of Justice Uma Shankar Vyas, while hearing a bail application Saturday, expressed concern over the systematic delays in FSL reports that are preventing accused persons from obtaining bail and hindering the commencement of trials in lower courts.The matter came to light during the hearing of Mohammed Asfaq’s bail application, who has been in custody since Apr 29, 2024, in connection with a POCSO case. Despite previous court orders for expedited proceedings, including directives issued in Sept and Dec 2024, the trial in his case remains stalled due to pending FSL reports.“This delay violates the accused’s constitutional right to a speedy trial,” Justice Vyas noted, pointing out that POCSO Act provisions require trials to be completed within one year.The court highlighted that Asfaq’s case exemplifies a broader systemic issue, where accused individuals remain in custody primarily due to administrative delays in forensic testing. Two previous bail applications in this case were rejected and despite court orders for swift trial completion, proceedings have been hampered due to absence of FSL reports.The high court has scheduled the next hearing for July 18, when the chief secretary is expected to present a comprehensive report on the status of pending FSL reports in criminal cases across the state. TNN
