A high-level delegation from the Education and Research Network (ERNET), India—under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India—visited the Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, located at Shimla Hills, Junga. The delegation included Sanjeev Banzal and Ranjan Kumar, whose primary objective was to gain detailed insights into the forensic infrastructure, technical competencies, and operational mechanisms of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), which has held NABL accreditation since 2018.
During their visit, the ERNET officials conducted a thorough review of all ten specialized divisions within the SFSL. They assessed the laboratory’s quality standards, scientific methodologies, and alignment with both national and international forensic protocols. The team commended the dedication and professionalism of the forensic experts and noted the lab’s critical role in supporting evidence-based criminal investigations.
A major focus of the interaction was the rising importance of digital and cyber forensics in light of increasingly sophisticated technological threats. The delegation recognized SFSL’s commitment to upholding scientific accuracy, procedural rigor, and legal admissibility in forensic reporting, reaffirming Himachal Pradesh’s capability to effectively integrate forensic science into the justice system.
One of the standout units at the SFSL is the Digital Forensic Division, which serves as the state’s central hub for the examination of electronic evidence. This division specializes in retrieving, preserving, and analyzing digital data from various sources such as computers, mobile phones, cloud storage, network systems, and social media platforms. It provides vital support in cases of cyber fraud, identity theft, online harassment, financial scams, and malware-related investigations.
Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Director of the Directorate of Forensic Services, highlighted that the Digital Forensic Division operates in close coordination with police and law enforcement agencies. Through expert reports and scientifically validated interpretations of digital trails, the division significantly enhances the investigative process—helping trace perpetrators, recover deleted information, and provide credible digital evidence admissible in court.
Importantly, the Digital Forensic Division has successfully cleared two stages of NABL accreditation and is now in the final stage of obtaining accreditation for electronic evidence examination under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This accreditation ensures technical competence and adherence to internationally recognized forensic standards.
Once finalized, this accreditation will further strengthen the legal validity of digital evidence submitted in courts, assuring stakeholders that such evidence has been examined using scientifically sound and validated methods. It marks a significant step toward enhancing the division’s credibility and its impact on cybercrime investigations across the state.
By progressing toward full NABL accreditation, Himachal Pradesh’s Digital Forensic Division is poised to become a benchmark in digital evidence handling, reinforcing the role of forensic science in ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability in modern criminal justice systems.
