HPNLU, Shimla Inaugurates One-Week Faculty Development Programme On “Current Trends In Forensic Science: Legal Education And Administration Of Justice”

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Nishtha Jaswal, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Law University, Jaipur, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. (Dr.) Meenakshi Mahajan, Director, Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, as the Patron of the programme. The event witnessed the participation of eminent dignitaries, senior faculty members, forensic experts, scholars, and participants from across the country.

In her inaugural address, Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, highlighted the growing significance of forensic science in the effective administration of justice. She observed that the integration of forensic expertise within the framework of legal education is not merely an academic pursuit but a pressing necessity in modern jurisprudence. She emphasized that under the contemporary justice system, scientific investigation and legal interpretation must work in unison to ensure fairness, accuracy, and constitutional compliance. The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering academic collaborations, interdisciplinary learning, and professional capacity building through such initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Nishtha Jaswal, the Chief Guest of the inaugural session, spoke on the intrinsic relationship between science and law, particularly emphasizing the constitutional dimensions that govern the use of forensic techniques in investigation and trial. She highlighted the delicate balance between advancing scientific methods—such as DNA profiling, brain mapping, narco-analysis, and polygraph tests—and safeguarding fundamental rights and individual dignity. She commended HPNLU Shimla for taking a forward-looking step in organizing this Faculty Development Programme and for its contribution to creating informed and ethically conscious legal professionals equipped to address the challenges of emerging technologies in the justice system.

Prof. (Dr.) Meenakshi Mahajan, Patron of the programme and Director, Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, in her address, expressed appreciation for HPNLU Shimla's efforts in promoting interdisciplinary research and training. She emphasized that the collaboration between the Directorate of Forensic Services and HPNLU marks a significant stride toward bridging the gap between theory and practice in forensic science. She observed that academic platforms such as this FDP play a crucial role in enhancing the mutual understanding between legal professionals and forensic experts, which ultimately contributes to strengthening the criminal justice system. She assured continued support and collaboration from the Directorate for future academic and professional endeavours.

The Centre for Criminology and Forensic Science (CCFS), through this Faculty Development Programme, aims to enhance academic and professional competence among teachers, researchers, and practitioners by deepening their understanding of the interdisciplinary interface between law, forensic science, and justice administration.

During the six-day programme, participants will be addressed by a distinguished panel of resource persons from reputed national and international institutions, including:

· Prof. (Dr.) Vishal Sharma, Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh

· Prof. (Dr.) Vagheshwari Deswal, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

· Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Rattan, Professor, Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh

· Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Kapila, Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, IGMC, Shimla

· Prof. (Dr.) J. P. Yadav, Dean and Director, CGC University, Mohali, Punjab

· Dr. K. P. Singh, D.G.P. (Retd.), Haryana

· Dr. K. C. Varshney, Deputy Director, RFSL, New Delhi

· Prof. (Dr.) Sharanjeet Kaur, Professor, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, Punjab

· Prof. (Dr.) Arun Sharma, Professor, National Forensic Sciences University, Uganda Campus

The concluding session will feature a discussion, participant feedback, and a quiz-based evaluation to consolidate the learnings of the week.

The programme is being organized under the guidance of Dr. Ruchi Sapahia, Chairperson of the Programme and Director, Centre for Criminology and Forensic Science, Dr. Navditya Tanwar, Co-Chairperson, and Dr. Shaifali Dixit, Director of the Programme as well as Coordinators Ms. Arzoo Chaudhary and Mr. Aviral Pandit. The Faculty Development Programme reflects HPNLU Shimla's continued pursuit of excellence in legal education and its dedication to promoting interdisciplinary academic collaboration. Through this initiative, the University seeks to strengthen the bridge between scientific knowledge and legal practice, thereby contributing to the advancement of justice delivery in India.