Forensic science and its history by Sumana Parua

Made by Sumana Parua

1. Forensic science Admissibility of the evidence of fingerprinting, blood grouping, handwriting w.r.t Indian Evidence Act, 1872   BY PRANAY PANDA

2. INTRODUCTION The application of scientific knowledge to support the administration of justice is referred to as forensic science. The Latin word " forensis ," which means "Forum" or "gathering of people," is the origin of the term "forensics. "The modern definition of forensics is the legal proceedings in a courtroom that are shaped by evidence. In order to bring the victim justice, the forensic scientist examines and interprets the evidence. Most scientific fields are included in forensic science, which is used for the law. The fundamental scientific fields of physics, chemistry, and biology, in addition to the related fields of medicine, anthropology, toxicology, serology, and odontology, are all included in forensic science. There are additional subfields developed specifically for forensic purposes in addition to all these topics. Forensic engineering, DNA profiling, ballistics, fingerprints, document examinations, psychology, narcotics analysis, voice analysis, and so on, which have also been extensively utilized in forensic science .  

3. FINGERPRINTS It is a type of biometric that is used to identify people is their fingerprints. Even twins who are identical never share the same fingerprint. Even as we get older, the fingerprints never change unless the basil layer is destroyed or plastic surgery is performed. Fingerprints fall into one of three categories: whorls, arches, and loops. These impressions can be used to identify and make fingerprints that are unique because of the minute details .

4. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In India, Sir William Harschel began using fingerprints to register prisoners and to sign contracts and deeds in 1877.The Henry classification system is a fingerprint classification system created by two Indian fingerprint experts. Sir Francis Galton further distributed subtleties on unique finger impression examination and distinguishing proof .

5. IMPORTANCE OF FINGERPRINTS It took the public and the judiciary some time to accept fingerprints as a scientific aid, but this is now widely acknowledged. The following characteristics help the fingerprint as evidence play a crucial role are UNIQUENESS, PERMANENT, UNIVERSAL, INIMITABLE, CLASSIFIABLE.

6. FINGERPRINTS AND ITS RELEVNCY IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONA In the forensic field, fingerprints have been the standard for personal identification for more than a century, because they remain constant throughout a person's life, fingerprints are constant in nature. The most important tool for determining or revealing an individual's identity is their fingerprint, because a person's hands are the most prominent part of their body, no crime can be committed without their fingerprints. The individuality of each person's fingerprints makes it easier to identify the perpetrator at a crime scene. Additionally, it enables investigators to track a criminal's arrest and conviction history and establish a connection between two crime scenes involving the same person. In numerous criminal cases, it provides various evidence. Every criminal is accustomed to concealing evidence that is accessible to them. Yet, the fingerprints cannot be taken out effectively and thus, it assumes a crucial part in settling a wrongdoing. We can use both traditional and cutting-edge methods to investigate crimes. When a crime is solved, physical evidence like fingerprints at the scene are crucial. In cases of rape, it is not helpful to identify the perpetrator. It is quickly used by the police and other authorities to identify people who want to hide their identities or to identify people who have passed away. While committing a crime, a criminal may touch numerous objects, which will be evident during the investigation. At a crime scene, the fingerprints are the only piece of evidence that lasts for a long time without changing

7. PROCESS OF COLLECTING FINGERPRINTS FROM CRIME SCENE Latent fingerprints can be collected with several powders. Patent fingerprints are those that can be seen with the naked eye and are made when blood, grease, or dirt encounter one another. Impressed fingerprints are those that are made by pressing fingers on soap, wax, or any other liquid and are visible to the naked eye.  

8. RELEVANCE OF FINGERPRINTS TO THE LAW The Identification of Prisoner's Act of 1920 Established the legal basis for the collection n of an accused or suspected criminal's fingerprints, footprints, and photographs. The taking of criminals' fingerprints lacked any legal sanction prior to this Act's validation. However, it is now legal under Section 3. The taking of fingerprints from a convicted individual is discussed in Section 4. In accordance with Section 5, the Magistrate has the authority to direct any individual to consent to the taking of his fingerprints as part of the investigation.   Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 According to Section 293 of the 1973 Code of Criminal Procedure, reports of fingerprints submitted by the Director of the Forensic Bureau may be used as evidence. The goal of this section is to save time and avoid unnecessary examination. However, the person who submitted the report may be summoned by the court if certain intuitions emerge from it.

9. INDIAN EVIDENCE ACT,1872 The Indian Evidence Act of 1872 recognized the singularity of fingerprints and declared them to be valid evidence. Although the term "finger impression" was not included in Section 45, it was added in the Amendment Act of 1899.According to Section 73, the court can order anyone to give his fingerprints if the court needs them to compare the questioned fingerprints. The evidence gathered by forensic investigators pointed to the person's involvement in the relevant location. The protection provided by Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution is not prohibited when the individual is willing to give his fingerprints without any objection, and then it can be taken into consideration.  

10. CASE LAWS Pathumma v. Veerasha [1] The Kerala High Court ruled that no two people's fingerprints can be identical and if there is no difference, it can be concluded that the same person made it.   James v. State of Kerala [2] Some fingerprints, foot prints, and a photograph have been taken from the scene of the crime in this case. However, the Kerala High Court stated that it is up to the court to decide whether the photographs should be considered evidence due to their blur and dirt   State v. Karugope [3] In the Patna High Court, fingerprints are considered evidence for the accused's conviction.