MNLU Mumbai Establishes Forensic Training Laboratory on Republic Day 2026

Mumbai’s Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU Mumbai) has taken a significant step toward strengthening forensic education and criminal justice training with the establishment of a Forensic Training Laboratory on the occasion of Republic Day, January 26, 2026. The laboratory was inaugurated in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, marking an important milestone in the university’s academic and research journey.

The initiative reflects MNLU Mumbai’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, socially relevant research, and capacity-building aimed at improving the delivery of justice in India.

Strengthening Legal Education Through Forensic Training

The newly established Forensic Training Laboratory is designed as a specialised facility that will offer hands-on training and practical exposure in key forensic disciplines. These include crime scene management, fingerprint analysis, and other allied forensic techniques, enabling students to bridge the gap between theoretical legal knowledge and applied investigative practice.

University officials highlighted that the laboratory will function as both a training and research hub, supporting academic learning as well as skill development for aspiring legal and criminal justice professionals.

Inaugural Ceremony and Key Dignitaries

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior university officials, including Dr. Prakash Chaudhary, Registrar, MNLU Mumbai, and Dr. Pratapsinh Salunke, Associate Dean and Officer on Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor. The presence of senior leadership underscored the institutional importance of the initiative.

Aligned with National Criminal Justice Reforms

The establishment of the laboratory aligns closely with the broader objectives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, particularly in the context of strengthening scientific investigation and modernising evidence-gathering systems. The initiative gains added relevance against the backdrop of recently enacted criminal laws, which place increased emphasis on forensic evidence and professional investigation standards.

By enhancing forensic competence, the laboratory aims to contribute meaningfully to a more efficient, credible, and technology-driven criminal justice system.

Academic Programmes and Industry Collaboration

MNLU Mumbai’s Centre for Research in Criminal Justice already offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Crime Investigation, Medical Jurisprudence and Forensic Science, with five successful batches completed to date. Additionally, Forensic Justice is offered as an elective across various academic programmes at the university.

The university also plans to invite industry experts and forensic professionals to conduct specialised training sessions, workshops, and certification programmes at the campus, ensuring exposure to real-world investigative practices.

Supporting Nation-Building and Justice Delivery

Going forward, the Forensic Training Laboratory will support training programmes, workshops, and collaborative initiatives with law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and academic institutions. These efforts are aimed at strengthening professional competence, promoting research-based learning, and contributing to nation-building through improved justice delivery mechanisms.

With this initiative, MNLU Mumbai continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution committed to excellence in legal education and criminal justice reform.