New LLM specialisation integrates forensic science with law to strengthen criminal justice

 

MHA aims to set up more NFSU campuses in Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur, Raipur, and Nagpur, which will offer courses focusing on strengthening the criminal justice system

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Ayushi Gupta | Posted May 29, 2025 01:02 PM

The significance of forensic science in legal proceedings has increased due to an increase in crime rate and focus on criminal justice. However, there are not many professionals who know forensic science and its role in the legal framework because the two subjects have been taught in silos. To bridge the gap and connect forensic science in criminal investigations, National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has launched an LLM programme with specialisations in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration.

 

Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2022, the master's course is aimed at supporting legal professionals to understand crime scenes and collect forensic evidence to develop objective findings to complete an investigation. The NFSU offers Forensic psychology, NDPS, Digital Forensic, Crime Scene Management, and DNA labs that are not available at the NLUs, along with the forensic experts.

 

The programme has a strong forensic science component integrated with law and justice administration, offering admission only to those ranking in the top 1,000 in CLAT PG, for the 40 seats. The course was introduced to create a team of lawyers who are capable of critically analysing the forensic evidence to strengthen their case. Of the 40 seats, 20 are at the Gandhinagar campus, and the remaining 20 are at the Delhi campus of NFSU.

“Forensic education is incomplete without understanding the legal framework, as its primary function is to serve the criminal justice system. The students are educated to understand both the crime scene as well as the courtroom,” says Prof Purvi Pokhriyal, dean, School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, NFSU, Gandhinagar, to Education Times.

 

Curriculum features

MHA aims to set up more NFSU campuses in Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur, Raipur, and Nagpur, which will offer courses focusing on strengthening the criminal justice system. The LLM course includes topics such as DNA analysis, trace evidence, and crime scene investigation. “The students learn about the legal framework, including criminal law, evidence law, and courtroom procedure. The course helps students in assisting a legal proceeding, especially in criminal investigations and trials. Forensic science provides scientific evidence that can be used to help establish facts, identify suspects, and potentially determine guilt or innocence,” adds Prof Pokhriyal.

 

The students get hands-on experience through internships after theoretical sessions. “Industry experts who have worked in forensic labs are the faculty at the NFSU. Prominent government forensic experts train students in live case handling, crime scene investigation, evidence extraction, and exposure to real-world challenges,” adds Prof Pokhriyal.

 

The course offers a holistic and interdisciplinary curriculum, including cyber law and investigation, forensic justice, forensic science and law, multimedia forensics, forensic fraud management, and network security. “Students get to learn both legal provisions and technical procedures. For instance, students are taught about the SOP to analyse the digital evidence, mobile forensics tools like UFED premium, DNA analysis, comparative studies, prison administration, restorative justice, victim support frameworks, and more,” says Prof Pokhriyal.

 

The specialisation is primarily aimed at knowledge enhancement needed by any legal professional, including lawyers, prosecutors, and judicial officers.  The course prepares students for a technologically integrated legal future, which ultimately opens a wide array of career opportunities. “The course holds value for those planning to foray into academia or research and development,” says Prof Pokhriyal.