Delhi FSL pendency has fallen sharply in a year, according to the Delhi government. Pending cases at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) dropped from about 27,000 to 5,700. That is a decline of 78.88 per cent. As a result, police may now receive forensic reports faster.
Delhi FSL Pendency: The Key Numbers
The government shared these figures on Wednesday. Its statement credits administrative and operational steps taken under Home Minister Ashish Sood. However, the numbers come from the government itself.
Earlier data points the same way. In August, officials said critical case pendency had fallen 72 per cent, from 27,585 cases in June 2025 to 7,178 on 31 July 2026. The lab also disposed of 3,49,519 exhibits in 12 months. In addition, POCSO cases pending fell from 800 in December 2025 to 77 in July 2026.
What Steps Did the Government Take?
First, the government filled vacant regular posts at several levels. It also extended the tenure of contractual and technical staff. This kept the lab running without a break.
Second, the lab added new machinery and digital tools. It recruited 247 contractual scientific staff in 2025 as well. Besides this, the lab now uses e-reporting through the e-Forensic 2.0 portal. Twenty-five video-conferencing facilities also let experts record evidence before courts.
Finally, forensic experts now work across all six police ranges and 15 districts. They give scientific support at crime scenes under the new criminal laws.
Why the Forensic Backlog Mattered
Delayed forensic reports hold up investigations. Consequently, chargesheets and trials stall. This is especially true in cases that depend on scientific evidence.
The pressure has also grown over time. In November 2022, the Union home ministry made forensic analysis mandatory in cases where the punishment exceeds six years. Therefore, labs now handle more cases than before.
New Forensic Lab Planned at Sheikh Sarai
The government has approved a new Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at Sheikh Sarai. It will cost Rs 151.80 crore. The Expenditure Finance Committee, headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, cleared the project.
The new lab should ease the load on the main facility in Rohini. South, Southeast and Central Delhi are expected to benefit most. Meanwhile, the government plans specialised labs and building upgrades for advanced equipment.
What Happens Next
Clearing a backlog is only half the task. The lab must now stop new cases from piling up again. For example, steady staffing and working equipment will matter. Likewise, the Sheikh Sarai lab needs to open on schedule.
In short, Delhi FSL pendency has dropped sharply, at least by the government’s account. Faster reports could speed up investigations and trials. However, the real test is whether the lab sustains this pace.
