Delay in appointing scientific officers, staff in forensic science labs: Kerala HC seeks report
The Bench consisting of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran issued the order while considering a petition filed by Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) seeking a directive to the State government and the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit adequate number of scientific assistants in the forensic labs. The KeLSA alleged that the vacancies and the failure to appoint scientific assistants in the labs adversely impacted the conduct of trials, particularly in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases.
The KeLSA also referred to delays in appointing special public prosecutors in POCSO courts. The PSC's counsel said that there were procedural requirements and inherent time lag involved in appointments.
Stating that continued inaction would affect Kerala's criminal justice system, the court directed the government and the PSC to coordinate and ensure that the vacancies are filled without delay.
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