HC takes up suo motu PIL on forensic lab gaps in Meghalaya; seeks report on independent FSL

SHILLONG, JUN 30: The Meghalaya High Court has registered a suo motu PIL to examine forensic infrastructure gaps in the state and has asked authorities to explore the feasibility of setting up an independent Forensic Science Laboratory in Meghalaya.

The order was passed by the division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh on Monday (June 29).

The PIL was initiated following directions from the Supreme Court in its May 11, 2026, order in Sunny Chauhan v. State of Haryana.

“In this Suo Motu PIL, we are concerned essentially with two issues i.e., (i) adequacy of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) infrastructure and facilities in the State of Meghalaya and the timely submission of FSL reports in criminal cases and (ii) the existing mechanism for uploading and sharing status reports in criminal cases, including the feasibility of developing a digital police portal for ensuring their timely availability prior to the scheduled hearings,” the bench noted.

The court directed the Registry to implead two additional parties. “We deem it appropriate to direct the Registry to implead the Directorate of Central Forensic Science Services, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi and the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory, Meghalaya as party respondent Nos. 3 and 4,” the order said.

The State sought time to respond.

“In the meantime, the learned AAG seeks time to file affidavit-in-reply. Time granted. The same to be filed in the Registry within three weeks,” the bench stated.

Addressing the infrastructure concern, the court said, “In the meantime, we request both the newly added respondents to examine the feasibility of establishing an independent FSL in the State of Meghalaya.”

“Considering the issues involved, we deem it appropriate to appoint Mr. K. Ch. Gautam as Amicus Curiae to assist us in the aforesaid PIL,” the bench said, directing the Registry to forward a copy of the petition to him.

The matter has been listed next for July 27, 2026.

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