Brief
Uttarakhand High Court orders forensic lab to issue POCSO reports within 45 days
Justice Rakesh Thapliyal set new timelines for forensic reporting to help police meet chargesheet deadlines.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 29, 2026, the Uttarakhand High Court directed the state forensic science laboratory to submit reports in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases within 45 days and in other serious criminal cases within 75 days, according to newindianexpress.com.
Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, hearing the matter as a single judge, instructed the laboratory director to ensure reports reach investigating officers early enough for chargesheets to be filed within the statutory 60‑ or 90‑day periods. The order also covers rape, narcotics offences under the NDPS Act and other serious crimes.
The court noted that the Directorate General of Police and the Home Secretary had set up a dedicated investigation cell of 150 officers and that the number of scientific officers at the lab had risen from 11 to 28. Government advocate Amit Bhatt said the lab’s strength could be increased further and that circulars had been issued to ensure compliance with Supreme Court rulings on arrests and case registration.
In response, the DGP directed senior superintendents of police to ensure samples reach the lab within a week, and the court advised regular training programmes for police investigators, with experienced judicial officers and practising lawyers potentially enlisted.
Key facts
- Uttarakhand High Court ordered forensic lab to submit POCSO case reports within 45 days (newindianexpress.com)
- Reports in other serious criminal cases must be submitted within 75 days (newindianexpress.com)
- Justice Rakesh Thapliyal presided over the hearing as a single judge (newindianexpress.com)
- Laboratory staff increased from 11 to 28 scientific officers (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Uttarakhand HC directs forensic lab to submit POCSO case reports within 45 days”
