In a significant milestone for the forensic community, the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory (TGFSL) has officially been recognized as a ‘Government Examiner of Electronic Evidence’ under Section 79A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The designation was granted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, on June 4, 2025.
This recognition authorizes TGFSL to examine, analyze, and certify digital evidence for legal proceedings, an accreditation that strengthens the admissibility and authenticity of digital evidence presented in courts across India. Already an NABL-accredited facility, TGFSL’s elevation to this role significantly enhances its institutional credibility and positions it as a key player in India’s digital forensics landscape.
According to TGFSL Director General Shikha Goel, the lab’s Digital Forensics Division processes an average of 50 complex cases per month, involving data from various digital media formats, ranging from encrypted or damaged hard drives to mobile devices. The division has played a pivotal role in several high-profile criminal investigations and convictions in the state.
Moreover, TGFSL has been a frontrunner in implementing judicial reforms. It is one of the first labs in the country to fast-track forensic reporting in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases, aligning with Supreme Court directives that aim to speed up the justice delivery system in cases involving minors.
This development marks a critical step toward strengthening India’s cybercrime and digital evidence infrastructure. With cybercrime on the rise and digital footprints becoming a common part of nearly all criminal investigations, certified examiners like TGFSL are crucial for ensuring legally defensible digital forensic practices. Their work not only aids the judiciary but also sets a national standard for digital evidence management and analysis.
Leave a Reply