HNLU Forensic Science & Law Conference
Raipur, November 9, 2025
The Centre for Law and Forensics, under the School for Law and Technology at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, successfully organised a Two-Day International Conference on “Interface of Forensic Science & Law: Shaping the Future of Criminal Justice in India” on 7th and 8th November 2025.
Organised by the Centre for Law and Forensics under the School for Law and Technology, in Collaboration with SFSL Raipur and NFSU
The conference was held in collaboration with the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gujarat. The event brought together leading experts, academicians, and researchers to discuss the evolving intersection of law, technology, and forensic science in the Indian criminal justice system.
Inaugural Session: Bridging Law and Science
The inaugural ceremony featured distinguished dignitaries and thought leaders from academia and forensic science.
Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, in his inaugural address, emphasised the synergy between law and science in ensuring “justice based on evidence-backed truth.” He encouraged the establishment of Forensic Law Labs at HNLU to integrate legal studies with scientific investigation in light of rapid technological advancement.
The Chief Guest, Dr Arneet Arora, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Bhopal, highlighted the pivotal role of forensic science in strengthening India’s justice delivery mechanisms and called for ethical integration of science into judicial proceedings.
The Guest of Honour, Dr T.L. Chandra, Joint Director, SFSL Raipur, underlined the need for technological modernisation in forensic practice to enhance the accuracy and reliability of criminal investigations.
A key highlight of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HNLU and SFSL Raipur, aimed at promoting joint research, academic collaboration, and capacity building in the fields of law, forensic science, and criminal justice. The MoU was signed by Dr Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Registrar, HNLU, and Dr T.L. Chandra, in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries.
Technical Sessions: Exploring the Future of Forensic Law
The two-day conference featured 19 technical sessions chaired by 38 experts from leading institutions such as SFSL, NFSU, RGNUL, NLU Sonepat, and various government departments and law schools.
Out of 340+ abstract submissions, around 140 research papers were selected and presented by 170 participants across four thematic tracks:
- Legal Admissibility and Evidentiary Value of Forensic Evidence
- Bridging Science and Justice: Innovations in Criminal Investigation and Behavioural Analysis
- Legislative and Policy Frameworks
- Capacity Building, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Ethical Considerations
The conference saw participation from across India — including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Haryana, Kerala, and Delhi — as well as contributions from international delegates. Papers from prestigious institutions such as Symbiosis International University, Alliance University, and several National Law Universities reflected the event’s national and global academic significance.
Panel Discussion: Forensics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The Valedictory Session hosted an engaging Panel Discussion on the theme “Forensics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Reimagining Justice, Privacy, and Truth.”
The session featured eminent panellists:
- Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU
- Mr R. Muralidharan, Senior Advocate, Bengaluru
- Dr Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Registrar, HNLU
The panel emphasised that while AI-driven forensic tools can revolutionise evidence collection and analysis, the foundations of fairness, liberty, and human dignity must remain at the core of justice delivery.
The discussion, moderated by Mr Abhinav K. Shukla, explored the balance between technology, privacy, and truth in modern forensic investigations.
Conference Coordination and Faculty Leadership
The conference was led by a dedicated organising team comprising Dr Pankaj Umbarkar (Programme Director), Mr Abhinav K. Shukla, Dr Priyanka Mohod, Dr Parvesh Kumar Rajput, Dr Eritrea Roy, and Mr Jeevan Sagar, supported by an enthusiastic group of student coordinators — Vishrut, Palak Saini, Aditya Tandon, Preeti Talreja, Sanvi Agarwal, Kruthika, Vedika, Shrayana, and Sridhar.
The event began with a welcome address by Mr Abhinav K. Shukla and concluded with Dr Vishnu Konoorayar’s remarks, followed by a conference report presentation by Dr Umbarkar and a vote of thanks delivered by Mr Jeevan Sagar.
Academic Outcomes and Future Vision
The conference concluded by laying the foundation for advancing the Forensics and Law discipline within HNLU’s Research Hub and Spoke (R-HaS) Initiative.
The discussions, collaborations, and MoU established during the event are expected to drive:
- Academic partnerships between HNLU and SFSL
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities in forensic law
- Development of specialised forensic legal education modules
- Creation of Forensic Law Labs to enhance experiential learning for law students
Conclusion
The International Conference on the Interface of Forensic Science and Law marked a milestone in HNLU’s academic journey, positioning the university as a national hub for interdisciplinary research in forensic studies and criminal justice reform.
By combining scientific innovation and legal scholarship, HNLU reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready criminal justice system that upholds truth, ethics, and human dignity.
About HNLU Raipur
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), established in 2003, is one of India’s premier National Law Universities, committed to advancing excellence in legal education, technology, and research. Through its specialised centres like the School for Law and Technology, the university fosters a multidisciplinary approach that blends law, science, and innovation.
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