The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) designated six new laboratories as authorized examiners of electronic evidence under the Information Technology Act, 2000, on July 9. These labs, spread across five states, will handle various aspects of digital forensics including computer, mobile device, and drone forensics, expanding the government's capacity to authenticate digital evidence for legal proceedings, according to medianama.com.
Among the six newly notified units, five labs will focus on computer and mobile device forensics, while the Border Security Force's Central Drone Forensic Lab in Delhi will specialize in drone forensics. The designated labs include the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories in Mumbai, National Forensic Sciences University in Goa, Navy Cyber Group's Cyber Forensic Laboratory in New Delhi, and the Cyber Forensic Division at the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Jaipur. These appointments were made under Section 79A of the IT Act, which empowers the central government to appoint examiners of electronic evidence.
This move strengthens the legal framework for digital evidence in India by ensuring expert opinions on electronic proof are professionally validated and admissible in courts. The expansion aligns with the increasing reliance on digital evidence in investigations and trials, addressing the need for specialized forensic capabilities. The inclusion of a dedicated drone forensic lab reflects the growing use of drone technology and the corresponding need for forensic expertise in this emerging area.
The notifications were issued under Section 79A of the IT Act, 2000, and aim to uphold the authenticity of digital evidence as per Section 63 of the Indian Evidence Act. This development enhances the infrastructure for digital forensics across multiple states, supporting law enforcement and judicial processes nationwide.