Beyond The Terrestrial Crime Scene: NFSU And MNLU Mumbai Explore Emerging Field Of SKY FORENSICS

Conducted in hybrid mode, the conference brought together experts from India and abroad to examine the emerging field of SKY FORENSICS, integrating aviation, drone and space forensics. Discussions focused on evidence derived from wreckage, flight recorders, telemetry and digital systems, as well as accident investigation, victim identification, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, jurisdiction and criminal liability.

The conference was held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Vice Chancellor, MNLU Mumbai. In his presidential address, Prof. Ukey highlighted the evidentiary value of drones and space-based systems in modern investigations. He noted that drones can contain flight records, photographs, videos, location data, communication records and operational logs that may assist investigators in reconstructing incidents. He also emphasised the need for specialised forensic capabilities and regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence in aerial and space technologies.

The collaboration drew upon NFSU's expertise in forensic science, forensic justice, digital forensics, cybersecurity and scientific investigation, alongside MNLU Mumbai's work in law and criminal justice research. Dr. J. M. Vyas, Vice Chancellor, NFSU, extended institutional support to the initiative.

Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal, Campus Director, NFSU Delhi Campus, and Dean, School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, attended as Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. She described SKY FORENSICS as an emerging field involving dispersed wreckage, inaccessible environments, remotely stored records, flight and telemetry data, and evidence extending across multiple jurisdictions. Referring to the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, she discussed challenges relating to victim identification, evidence recovery and incident reconstruction. She also examined the varied forensic roles of drones, including as instruments of crime, sources of evidence, surveillance tools and carriers of unlawful payloads. Emphasising the need for “forensic readiness by design,” she proposed specialised academic programmes, standard operating procedures, simulation facilities, professional training and a comprehensive SKY FORENSICS framework for India.

Dr. Gaurav Jadhav, Assistant Professor of Law, School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, NFSU, and Faculty Convenor of the conference, outlined the concept of SKY FORENSICS as an integrated field encompassing aviation, drone and space forensics. He also contributed to the development of the conference theme and the engagement of national and international experts.

Dr. Ricky J. Lee, Adjunct Professor of Law at The University of Notre Dame Australia, participated as the second Guest of Honour and delivered an expert session on SKY FORENSICS. Drawing on his expertise in space law, he examined issues relating to jurisdiction, liability, satellite collisions, space debris, private commercial participation and international cooperation. His address highlighted the legal and institutional challenges associated with incidents in outer space.

Prof. Sirio Zolea, Associate Professor of Comparative Law at Roma Tre University and Director of the Interdepartmental Research Center on Space Policies, participated virtually and chaired technical sessions across both days. His discussions with participants focused on comparative legal approaches and space policy perspectives.

Dr. Maria Di Maggio of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy, delivered a session titled “When Does a Space Catastrophe Become a Crime? Criminal Negligence, Causation and Organisational Liability in Space Operations.” She examined questions of culpability, breach of duty, foreseeability, causation and organisational responsibility in the context of space-related incidents.

The conference featured participation from experts and academics based in Australia, Italy, Poland, the United Arab Emirates and Mauritius, contributing comparative perspectives on investigation, regulation and accountability in aviation, drone and space-related contexts.

The event recorded 217 registrations, 177 participants and 123 research abstracts. Of the 91 full papers received, 90 were accepted for presentation. The programme also included three international experts, two keynote speakers, two resource persons and ten session chairs.

The conference concluded with discussions on the need for interdisciplinary approaches to emerging forensic challenges in air and space domains. By bringing together aviation, drone and space forensics within a common framework, the event sought to encourage further research, professional training and policy discussions in this developing area.