Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat, has been officially invited to participate in the 24th Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS 2026), scheduled to be held from May 25 to May 30, 2026, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious global forums in the field of forensic sciences. The event brings together leading academics, forensic experts, legal scholars, criminologists, investigators, medical professionals, and policymakers from across the world to discuss emerging developments, challenges, and innovations in forensic science, criminal justice, and legal medicine.
The theme of IAFS 2026, “Working Together for the Future of Forensic Sciences,” focuses on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging technological advancements, and promoting international cooperation in forensic investigations and justice delivery systems.
The conference has invited globally recognised experts and institutions working in specialised areas including forensic medicine, digital forensics, forensic genetics, forensic toxicology, crime scene investigation, jurisprudence, bioethics, and criminal justice administration.
At the conference, Prof. Devinder Singh delivered scholarly deliberations on contemporary issues relating to forensic governance and criminal justice reforms in India, particularly focusing on the integration of technology in forensic investigations.
His presentation, titled “A Paradigm Shift in Indian Forensics: The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022: Balancing Technological Integration with the Constitutional Safeguards in Criminal Justice,” critically examined the transformative impact of the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 on India’s criminal justice framework.
The presentation highlighted that investigative agencies in India had long been functioning under the colonial-era Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, which considerably restricted scientific evidence collection and forensic modernisation.
It further analysed how the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 significantly expands the scope of permissible “measurements” by including advanced biometric identifiers such as iris scans, retina scans, DNA-related biological samples, specimen signatures, handwriting samples, and voice samples.
According to the presentation, these reforms align India’s forensic investigation mechanisms with evolving global scientific standards and modern investigative practices.
Prof. Devinder Singh also proposed a comprehensive roadmap for effectively operationalising the legislation, including the establishment of national forensic standardisation protocols and the development of a secure encrypted digital infrastructure for handling forensic data.
The participation of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of DBRANLU at such a prestigious international platform is expected to further strengthen global academic engagement and promote collaborative discourse on forensic science, legal innovation, constitutional safeguards, human rights, and technology-driven justice systems.
The invitation also marks a significant international recognition for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat, and its growing contribution to interdisciplinary legal and forensic research.