Judicial Academy Srinagar organizes orientation programme on "Medical Forensics & Medico-Legal Aspects in Trial"

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy, Srinagar, organized a One Day Special Orientation Programme on “Medical Forensics & Medico-Legal Aspects in Trial; Different Dimensions of Cyber Crimes and Electronic Evidence".

The programme was organized under the patronage of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), Justice Arun Palli and under the guidance of the Chairperson and Members of the Governing Committee of the Academy, for Judicial Officers of the District Judiciary of Kashmir Province including UT of Ladakh, Public Prosecutors, Additional Public Prosecutors, Assistant Public Prosecutors, and Investigating Officers of Kashmir Province.

The programme commenced with introductory remarks by  Director, J&K Judicial Academy, Sonia Gupta, who outlined the objectives of the orientation programme. She emphasized that in the age of digital transformation and advancing forensic technologies, the judiciary and prosecution must stay equipped with evolving scientific, medical, and technological developments that critically shape the administration of criminal justice.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Assistant Professor, School of Law, University of Kashmir, Dr. Mir Junaid Alam focused on the theme “Demystifying the Information Technology Act, 2000 with Reference to Cyber Crimes viz. Issues, Challenges and Way Forward.

He discussed the legal and procedural complexities arising from cyber offences, data breaches, and online frauds. He also highlighted the gaps between technology and enforcement and emphasized the need for judicial officers and investigators to enhance their understanding of digital footprints, data preservation, and admissibility of electronic records.

In his address, he also underscored the importance of judicial sensitivity to privacy, digital rights, and due process in cases involving cybercrime. Senior Assistant Professor, Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Kashmir, Dr.Aneeda Jan deliberated on “Medical Forensic Law: Constitutional Perspective and Role of Judiciary” and “Impact of Technology on Forensic Evidence. She elaborated on the intricate relationship between law and forensic medicine, underscoring the critical role of medical evidence in the dispensation of justice.

Further, she spoke on the constitutional and ethical dimensions of forensic investigation, highlighting the responsibility of courts to ensure the integrity, authenticity, and admissibility of forensic materials. Discussing technological advances, she pointed out how digital imaging, DNA analysis, and AI-based diagnostic tools are transforming medico-legal practices and judicial evaluation of evidence.

Registrar Vigilance, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Rajeev Gupta addressed on the topic “Electronic Evidence: Definitions and Characteristics". He outlined the essential requirements for the admissibility of electronic evidence.

He also discussed judicial precedents governing electronic records, the authenticity of digital signatures, and challenges in verifying metadata and data chain integrity. He stressed that the digital age demands a deeper understanding of technological processes to prevent miscarriage of justice due to procedural lapses in electronic documentation and certification.

The programme concluded with an interactive session and feedback, during which participants shared insights and discussed practical challenges faced in handling medico-legal cases and cybercrime trials. The deliberations reinforced the need for continued judicial and prosecutorial training to ensure that the justice delivery system keeps pace with advancements in forensic science and technology.

The event reflected the Academy’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary knowledge among judicial and legal officers, enabling them to uphold procedural fairness, scientific accuracy, and technological competence in the dispensation of justice.