Evaluating The Role of DNA Evidence in Criminal Trials: Analyzing Admissibility, Reliability, And Judicial Impact in Karnataka

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the role of DNA evidence in criminal trials within the jurisdiction of Karnataka, India, focusing on its admissibility, scientific reliability, and influence on judicial outcomes. DNA profiling has increasingly become a cornerstone of modern forensic science, offering unparalleled precision in linking suspects to crime scenes. However, its utility in courtrooms is contingent upon stringent legal standards and procedural safeguards. Drawing upon legislative frameworks such as the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, and relevant judicial precedents, this research examines how Karnataka’s criminal justice system integrates DNA evidence in trial processes. The study adopts a doctrinal and empirical approach, analysing court rulings, forensic protocols, and stakeholder perceptions, including legal professionals, forensic experts, and investigating officers. Key challenges such as chain of custody, expert interpretation, and potential biases are also explored. The findings reveal that while DNA evidence is often decisive in securing convictions or acquittals, its effectiveness is undermined by infrastructural limitations, inconsistent judicial understanding, and procedural lapses. The study concludes with recommendations for legislative refinements, forensic capacity-building, and judicial sensitization to enhance the evidentiary value and ethical application of DNA technologies in criminal adjudication.