The Delhi government has approved a ₹151.81-crore regional forensic science laboratory at Sheikh Sarai to reduce pressure on the city’s only existing facility in Rohini, where more than 20,000 forensic reports are reportedly pending. The new Delhi forensic lab is expected to strengthen scientific investigation and support faster disposal of criminal cases.
The project was approved at a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The laboratory will be built on a 6,300-square-metre plot, with the Public Works Department instructed to complete construction within two years.
The Rohini Forensic Science Laboratory currently receives around 2,000 cases every month, according to the report. The workload has contributed to delays in issuing forensic reports, with cybercrime cases accounting for the largest share of the pending matters.
The backlog also creates risks for the handling of biological evidence such as blood, saliva and hair. Delays can damage samples or reduce their reliability, raising the possibility of inaccurate results or the complete loss of important evidence. Forensic reports are often central to criminal investigations and court proceedings, and delays in receiving them can prolong cases for victims, their families and accused persons.
The new facility is intended to provide modern forensic services and distribute the workload currently handled by the Rohini laboratory. The Delhi government said the project would help the Home Department and Delhi Police meet the increased requirements arising from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
These three criminal laws have increased the emphasis on forensic investigation in criminal cases, according to the government’s statement. The regional laboratory is expected to expand the city’s capacity for scientific examination of evidence and the preparation of forensic reports.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Sheikh Sarai facility would help address the increased demand for forensic investigation created by the new criminal laws. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the laboratory would make the examination of evidence and submission of forensic reports faster and more efficient, while strengthening evidence-based investigation.
The facility is expected to particularly benefit the districts of South Delhi, South-East Delhi and Central Delhi. The government said the improved access to forensic services would assist in presenting reports before courts and support the timely resolution of criminal cases.
The project’s immediate implementation milestone is construction by the Public Works Department, with completion targeted within two years. Until the Sheikh Sarai laboratory becomes operational, the Rohini facility will continue to handle the existing forensic workload and pending reports.
