CHENNAI: An inordinate delay in issuing detailed report of the forensic science laboratory has stalled the court trial in more than 595 Pocso (Prevention of Crimes against Sexual Offences) Act cases in the state including 274 in Chennai city alone in 2020-21, proving true the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Forensic Science Laboratory reports are key evidence to draft the final verdict in cases of sexual assault, but the families of survivors of the harrowing trauma, law enforcement agencies and courts continue to wait for such reports. Tiruvannamalai district is in second place after Chennai, with police waiting for final reports in 45 cases, while police in Tenkasi and Dindigul district wait for reports in 16 cases each. Chengalpet has 15 cases, Tiruvallur 14, Thanjavur 13 cases and Madurai 10.
