#forensic examination

The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered the interim release of seized medicinal herbs pending forensic confirmation, ruling that prolonged police custody of perishable forest produce violates the constitutional guarantee of justice under Article 21. This sets a critical precedent for herbal traders and cultivators whose lawful goods are wrongly classified and detained under the Indian Forest Act.

HP High Court rules that trial courts need not mandate forensic examination of social media videos during preliminary stages, leaving authenticity determinations to evidence appreciation at trial. The ruling clarifies that Section 65B compliance and forensic testing are discretionary, not obligatory, at the pre-trial phase, impacting how electronic evidence is handled in criminal proceedings.

Delhi High Court rules that when a cheque is dishonoured for insufficient funds, the accused cannot later raise signature mismatch as a defense-especially after a four-year delay in cross-examination. The court held that oral requests under Cr.P.C. are insufficient to mandate forensic evidence, reinforcing that Section 138 NI Act proceedings prioritize substantive compliance over procedural delays.