The Bombay High Court has sought a detailed report from the Maharashtra government on the functioning and workload of forensic laboratories in the state, amid concerns over severe delays in processing evidence.

The court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to submit the report by April 28, outlining the capacity of forensic labs, average time taken to process cases, and whether the government plans to set up additional facilities to tackle mounting pendency.

A bench led by Justice Shivkumar Dige raised the issue while hearing a bail plea in a murder case, where the accused has been in custody for over two years without a forensic report. The court had earlier asked investigators to obtain a forensic analysis of CCTV footage, considered crucial evidence in the case.

The state informed the court that forensic laboratories are currently examining samples dating back to 2020, leaving little capacity for newer cases. Prosecutors said the delay in the present case—registered in 2024—was due to this backlog.

The case pertains to a violent incident reported at Vadgaon Maval Police Station in Pune district, involving charges of rioting, unlawful assembly and murder. According to the prosecution, the incident began with a minor dispute in Kusur village and escalated into a fatal assault.

The accused, Mohan Shankar Turde, is alleged to have been part of the group that attacked the victim using weapons including wooden logs, iron rods and an axe. The prosecution has relied on eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage and call records to establish his involvement.

The defence, however, has claimed alibi, making the forensic examination of CCTV footage a key factor in the case.

– Ends

Published By:

Nitish Singh

Published On:

Apr 18, 2026 03:36 IST