Fair and competent investigation in a criminal case is the backbone of criminal justice in any society. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has time and again reiterated the imperative necessity of fair investigation and trial.

Fair investigation and trial in a criminal case have been read as part and parcel of Article 21 of the Constitution of India which guarantees to every person the fundamental right to life and liberty.

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In Babu Bhai vs. State of Gujarat (2010), the Supreme Court stated as follows: “…Not only fair trial but fair investigation is also part of constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 20 and 21 of the Constitution of India. Therefore, investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious as it is the minimum requirement of rule of law. The investigating agency cannot be permitted to conduct an investigation in a tainted and biased manner. Where non-interference of the court would ultimately result in failure of justice, the court must interfere. In such a situation, it may be in the interest of justice that independent agency chosen by the High Court makes a fresh investigation………”

In Nirmal Singh Kehlon vs. State of Punjab (2009), the Supreme Court said: “…An accused is entitled to a fair investigation. Fair investigation and fair trial are concomitant to preservation of fundamental right of an accused under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. But the State has a larger obligation i.e. to maintain law and order, public order and preservation of peace and harmony in the society. A victim of a crime, thus, is equally entitled to a fair investigation….”

Fair investigation comprises of several components which include honesty and competence. Collection of proper evidence in the context of the nature of the criminal case before the investigation agency is also a component of fair investigation. In appropriate cases, collection of scientific evidence would constitute fair investigation.

For instance, in a case of murder where the assailants are unknown and there is no direct evidence (eyewitness account), collection of DNA evidence from the crime spot and the body of the victim would be not only desirable but an imperative. Similarly, in a case of rape where the prosecutrix is unable to identify the accused due to darkness or having been blindfolded etc., collection of DNA evidence would be an imperative.

As and when the suspects are identified, their DNA when matched with the DNA from the crime spot and the victim would establish their presence at the scene of crime. On the other hand, if the DNA does not match, it would be a fit case for removal of suspicion from the head of the suspect. Hence, collection of DNA evidence is equally important from the perspective of the prosecution as well as the accused. Hence, collection of DNA evidence, in appropriate cases can be said to be in compliance with Article 21.

Section 53A was inserted into the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, in the year 2006 which provides for collection of DNA evidence and DNA profiling and the investigation agency has been vested with the power to use such force as is reasonably necessary for the said purpose.

Unfortunately, Section 53A is a grossly underused provision of law about which a majority of the investigation officers across the country would be unaware of. The same would be the case with senior police officers. Awareness of Section 53A needs to be spread across the police stations in the country.

The right to fair trial has also been read as part and parcel of Article 21 of the Constitution. While investigation is the domain of the police, fair trial is the duty of the court. Fair trial implies fairness to both the parties i.e. the accused as well as the victim through the prosecution.

While it is the settled law that the courts will not interfere in the manner of investigation, the courts can play a supervisory role in ensuring fair investigation. In cases where the courts find that the DNA evidence is relevant, they can pass appropriate judicial orders giving directions to the investigation agency to collect such evidence.

While the court will not direct the manner of collection of DNA evidence, it is surely empowered to direct the investigation agency to collect DNA evidence in a given case. Our trial courts need to be sensitised and made aware of the importance of DNA evidence which is scientifically conclusive.

Similarly, prosecutors and defense counsels need to be made aware of the use and relevance of DNA evidence in criminal cases. Collection of DNA evidence must, therefore, be made a part of the DNA of Criminal Justice in India.

The writer is Senior Advocate, Delhi High Court.