Meghalaya High Court orders probe as FSL Shillong halts DNA testing over chemical shortage

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Shillong has announced a temporary suspension of all DNA testing services, citing an acute shortage of key reagents required for the analysis. The lab, which handles forensic DNA work for criminal investigations across Meghalaya, reported that the depletion of chemicals has rendered it unable to process new samples.

In response, the Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed ground report on the shortage, seeking clarification on the causes and the steps being taken to restore the laboratory’s operational capacity. The court’s intervention underscores the critical role of DNA evidence in ongoing investigations and the urgency of resolving supply gaps.

Officials at the FSL indicated that they are coordinating with suppliers and exploring alternative sources to replenish the missing reagents. Meanwhile, pending cases that rely on DNA profiling may face delays, potentially affecting the timeline of criminal prosecutions and the delivery of justice in the state.