A Retrospective Analytical Study of Forensic Evidence in Rape and Murder Cases and its Implications on Judicial Outcomes in India

Abstract

In rape and murder cases, forensic science precisely establishes the link between the accused and either the victim or the crime scene, or both, which aids police investigation and the trial process by providing scientific evidence to corroborate or contradict the accused’s guilt. This study focuses on the importance of forensic evidence in deciding rape cases in India. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between forensic evidence and judicial outcomes in determining the conviction rate. This is a retrospective analytical study of rape and murder cases of the Supreme Court of India (SCI) Judgments from 1992 to 2021 using the library and digital library resources. The data obtained were subjected to Pearson’s correlation test to assess the relationship between forensic evidence and judicial outcomes. The results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. In 20 (5.22%) sensational, heinous rape and murder cases, 13 (65%) cases had proper handling of the forensic samples, while 7 (35%) cases had improper handling of the forensic samples or inconsistent forensic reports were given. Based on the forensic reports and other factors, the SCI affirmed the sentence in 11 (55%) cases, commuted imprisonment in 7 (35%) cases, and acquitted 2 (15%) cases. Further, the statistical analysis shows that forensic evidence and judicial outcomes have a moderately positive correlation with each other (0.2 < r < 0.5, P < 0.05). In rape and murder cases, SCI judgments have a high conviction rate. However, the SCI commuted the sentence based on inconsistent forensic reports and acquitted based on mishandled forensic reports.