POCSO Case: Madhya Pradesh High Court Directs FSL To Retest DNA Samples

**Jabalpur High Court Orders Retesting of DNA Samples in POCSO Case**

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): The High Court has directed the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Bhopal to retest DNA samples related to a POCSO case. A team of three scientists will conduct the retesting and present their report within ten days.

This directive came after Scientific Officer and Assistant Chemical Examiner, Dr. Sujata Gautam, admitted in her affidavit that she made a mistake while preparing the original DNA report. The court has ordered that Dr. Gautam shall not be part of the team responsible for retesting the samples.

A division bench comprising Justice Vivek Agrawal and Justice A.K. Singh stated, “She (Dr. Gautam) has admitted the mistake; however, mere admission of mistake is not sufficient.” The bench further directed her to undergo a refresher course or training programme before she can be deployed again for testing duties.

Additionally, the court mandated that all DNA reports prepared by Dr. Gautam must be cross-checked and counter-signed by another scientist before being presented in court.

The appointing authority has been directed to take appropriate action concerning this glaring error. Dr. Gautam has also been divested of her responsibilities for testing samples, as such mistakes can have severe consequences on the lives of victims and the accused.

The court was hearing a criminal appeal filed by a convict in the POCSO case.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/pocso-case-madhya-pradesh-high-court-directs-fsl-to-retest-dna-samples