Maharashtra National Law University hosted the National Symposium on the Criminal Identification Act 2022, providing a platform for intellectual discourse on this significant legislation in criminal law. The event aimed to delve into the challenges, emphasize the Act's importance, and explore innovative approaches to comprehending criminal trials. The Criminal Identification Act, 2022 is groundbreaking, focusing on improving the efficiency and accuracy of criminal investigations, trials, and offender identification through the establishment of a national criminal database. The Act also introduces provisions related to forensic evidence, witness protection, and victim compensation.
Despite its merits, the symposium acknowledged challenges inherent in the implementation of the Act. Concerns encompassed the cost, the necessity for training law enforcement personnel, and issues of privacy and security surrounding the national database. Debates also unfolded regarding the efficacy of forensic science. The symposium commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and a prayer to goddess Saraswati for knowledge's blessings. The opening speech highlighted the event's significance, introducing esteemed dignitaries, followed by the Presidential and Chief Guest addresses. The Chief Guest, Adv. Rajendra Prasad Trivedi, uniquely explained criminal trials through a devotional song and shared anecdotes from his experiences in criminal litigation. Panel discussions further delved into the nuanced aspects of the Criminal Identification Act and its implications.