A team of assessors from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) carried out a two-day assessment of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Himachal Pradesh, at Junga in the Shimla hills on April 28 and 29, 2026.
The assessment team was led by Dr. Onkar Santoshrao Mondhe and included experts such as Dr. Kavita Goyal, Dr. Rajeev Kawatra, Dr. Aman Kumar Yadav, and Dr. H. J. Trivali from leading forensic institutions across the country. The team conducted a detailed evaluation of the laboratory’s quality management system, technical processes, and the competence of its scientific personnel.
The annual NABL assessment aims to ensure adherence to internationally accepted standards in quality, operational efficiency, and technical expertise. Such evaluations are critical as forensic reports generated by laboratories are used by investigating agencies and presented in courts, playing a key role in the justice delivery system.
Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Director of Forensic Services, said that SFSL Himachal Pradesh has been NABL-accredited since 2018 and currently functions through ten specialized divisions, including biology and serology, chemistry and toxicology, DNA, digital forensics, and forensic psychology, among others.
Highlighting a major achievement, she noted that the State Finger Print Bureau under the Directorate of Forensic Services received NABL accreditation in 2024, becoming the first fingerprint bureau in India to earn this distinction. Continued accreditation of SFSL Junga marks another milestone in its development.
The laboratory is assessed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which specifies general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Officials stated that NABL accreditation enhances the credibility and wider acceptance of forensic reports, including at the international level. This is expected to strengthen the evidentiary value of forensic findings and contribute to improved conviction rates in criminal cases.
Dr. Mahajan emphasized that forensic laboratories across India are increasingly aligning with NABL standards, making it essential to maintain technical competence in line with global benchmarks.
The accreditation process is seen as a significant step toward strengthening forensic infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and ensuring the delivery of reliable, high-quality scientific services to support the justice system.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
