NationalSaturday, 6 June 2026·The Hindu - National
Allahabad High Court flags FSL gaps in DNA evidence, orders bail in rape-murder case
In May 2026, the Allahabad High Court granted bail to Manoj and urged Uttar Pradesh to strengthen FSLs with high-end machines and staff after DNA profiling failed.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, the Allahabad High Court, in a rape-and-murder case involving accused Manoj, granted bail after noting that the FSL report could not link the DNA found in the deceased’s vaginal smear to the accused because of incomplete DNA profiling.
Key specifics
- Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal allowed the bail application of Manoj in the Allahabad High Court.
- The Court said the DNA found in the vaginal smear of the deceased did not match the applicant due to insufficient generation of the DNA profile.
- In its May 21 order, the Court said outdated machines and incomplete infrastructure in FSL were the main reason for non-generation of DNA profiles.
- The Court directed the High Court registrar (compliance) to send a copy of the order to the U.P. chief secretary for the Chief Minister’s perusal.
- The Court expected the State Government to provide high-end machines to Forensic Science Laboratories and sufficient staff.
Exam lens
Polity and governance question type: judiciary, forensic infrastructure, evidence law; key facts: Allahabad High Court, May 21 order, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, FSL, DNA profile, U.P. chief secretary. TNPSC may ask why scientific evidence and forensic capacity matter in criminal justice.