A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS

With Special Reference to the Indian Legal Framework and Comparative Jurisprudence

AUTHORS – MR. PRAKASH.K* & MRS. JISHA J.S**

* STUDENT AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF LAW, VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

BEST CITATION – MR. PRAKASH.K & MRS. JISHA J.S, A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (7) OF 2026, PG. 827-834, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Medical evidence constitutes a foundational pillar of modern criminal adjudication. This article undertakes a comprehensive critical analysis of the role of medical and forensic evidence in criminal trials, with primary focus on the Indian legal framework and comparative reference to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. It examines the conceptual basis of medical evidence, the statutory framework for its admissibility under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and predecessor legislation, the typology of forensic disciplines deployed in criminal proceedings, the institutional arrangements for expert testimony, and the systemic challenges that undermine the effective use of forensic science in criminal courts. Drawing on landmark decisions of the Supreme Court of India and comparative judicial authority, the article identifies critical gaps in infrastructure, documentation, and judicial forensic literacy, and proposes comprehensive legislative, institutional, and operational reforms.

Keywords: Medical Evidence, Forensic Science, Criminal Trials, Expert Testimony, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, DNA Evidence, Forensic Pathology, Indian Evidence Act, Daubert Standard, Evidentiary Standards.