Mumbai's DFSL Kalina Designated Electronic Evidence Examiner

The Central Government has designated the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL) in Kalina, Mumbai, as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence under the Information Technology Act, 2000. This move aims to enhance the state's capacity to investigate cybercrime and digital evidence.

The notification, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was published in the Gazette of India on July 13, 2026. It authorises the DFSL to examine and certify electronic evidence for legal and investigative purposes.

The DFSL, located at Hans Bhugra Marg, Vidyanagari, Kalina, Santacruz (East), Mumbai, has been recognised for its expertise in Computer (Media) Forensics and Mobile Device Forensics. This designation under Section 79A of the IT Act empowers the laboratory to provide expert examination of digital evidence in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

The move is expected to strengthen forensic support for law enforcement agencies dealing with cyber offences, digital fraud, data breaches, and other technology-related crimes. With this notification, the Kalina-based DFSL joins the network of officially recognised electronic evidence examination facilities in the country.

This development enhances Maharashtra's forensic infrastructure and improves the scientific examination of digital evidence used in courts and investigations. The designation of DFSL Kalina as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence is a significant step towards combating cybercrime and ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools and expertise to investigate and prosecute technology-related crimes effectively.

The IT Act, 2000, provides a legal framework for electronic governance and commerce in India. Section 79A of the Act enables the Central Government to designate agencies as Examiners of Electronic Evidence, which can examine and certify electronic evidence for use in legal proceedings.

The DFSL Kalina's expertise in computer and mobile device forensics will be invaluable in investigating complex cybercrimes. The laboratory's designation as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence will also facilitate collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, ensuring that digital evidence is handled and examined in a scientific and reliable manner.

In recent years, India has witnessed a significant rise in cybercrime, with cases of online fraud, data breaches, and other technology-related crimes increasing exponentially. The designation of DFSL Kalina as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence is a timely move, which will help strengthen the country's cybercrime investigation capabilities.

The development is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall forensic infrastructure in Maharashtra, enabling law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes more effectively. With the growing importance of digital evidence in criminal investigations, the role of agencies like DFSL Kalina will become increasingly crucial in ensuring that justice is served.

In conclusion, the Central Government's decision to designate DFSL Kalina as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence under the IT Act, 2000, is a significant step towards enhancing the state's capacity to investigate cybercrime and digital evidence. The move is expected to strengthen forensic support for law enforcement agencies and improve the scientific examination of digital evidence used in courts and investigations.