Justice Prevails: Supreme Court Acquits Man of Death Penalty, Issues Nationwide Guidelines On DNA Evidence Handling.

Case Law: Kattavellai @ Devakar Versus State of Tamil Nadu.

Introduction:

The Supreme Court of India on 15th July 2025, Acquit the Man in the case of Rape and Murder which previously sentence to death row by Trail and High Court.The Apex Court has issued the National Wide Guidelines of DNA for collection, preservation, and use of DNA in criminal cases to prevent Faulty investigation.

Supreme Court of India issues nationwide DNA guidelines to prevent wrongful convictions.

Background:

The case is related to the Murder and rape of female victim on in Suruli Falls, Tamil Nadu which is popular meeting point for friends and lovers on May 14, 2011. The motive behind the crime was to loot jewellery and money. He Charged with the Sections 302, 376, 392 r/w 397 IPC and (3)(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act. Whereas Accused Kattavellai @ Deevakar was sentenced to death by trial court and high court.

High Court considered the following evidence:

• Last Seen Theory.

• Arrest, Confession and recovery.

• T.I Parade.

• DNA test and 

• Motive 

Hence High Court affirmed the guilty of the crime. The accused filed the appeal in Supreme Court stating that there was incomplete investigation by the side police specially in handling , storage and Transmitting of the DNA evidence.

Observation of the Supreme Court on DNA Guidelines:

The Supreme Court observed that there were various deficiencies that rendered the DNA evidence Faulty. Court pointed to the absence of a chain of custody registered , unexplained and delay in transmitting the sample to the forensic lab and lack of information on how the DNA stored raised questions that it can be tempered.

Court said that there was no eyewitness evidence that the accused be convicted on circumstantial evidence court referred to the Ravasaheb v. State of Karnataka.

The court noted that there were multiple lapses in the investigation, particularly in DNA evidence.While rejecting the confession against the accused none of the circumstance evidence conclusively proved against him. Therefore The Supreme Court acquitted the Man who was in jail from the past 11 years and sentenced to death by citing lapses in the DNA handling.

Justice Karol issued the Nationwide Guideline for ensuring the proper collection, preservation and processing of the DNA evidence and other biological material used in probes.

Guidelines:

1. Collection of DNA Sample includes appropriate packaging:

• F.I.R Number and Date.

• Section and statues involved in the crime.

• Details of I.O and Police Station.

• Serial Number shall be Duly document.

The document must carry the signature of the designation of the medical professional present, Investigating officer , Independent witness.

2. The Investigation Officer Shall be responsible for the following:

• Transportation of DNA evidence to police stations or hospitals.

• Sample must reach the forensic lab within 48 hrs from the time of collection.

• Any delay in the 48 hrs timeline shall be duly recorded in the case diary.

3. In the time that the DNA samples are stored pending trial appeal etc., no package shall be opened, altered or resealed without express permission of the Trial Court acting upon a statement of a duly qualified and experienced medical professional to the effect that the same shall not have a negative impact on the sanctity of the evidence and with the Court being assured that such a step is necessary for proper and just outcome of the Investigation/Trial.

4. Right from the point of collection to the logical end, i.e., conviction or acquittal of the accused, a Chain of Custody Register shall be maintained wherein each and every movement of the evidence shall be recorded with counter sign at each end thereof stating also the reason therefore. This Chain of Custody Register shall necessarily be appended as part of the Trial Court record. Failure to maintain the same shall render the I.O. responsible for explaining such lapse. The Directors General of Police of all the States shall prepare sample forms of the Chain of Custody Register and all other documentation directed above and ensure its dispatch to all districts with necessary instruction as may be required."

The Supreme Court also highlighted the need to enact the law for the compensation to accused in cases of wrongful incarceration.

Conclusion:

The Apex Court delivered the guideline for the DNA collection which marked as the critical moment in the prevention of justice. After discovering serious flaws in the way DNA evidence was handled, the Court not only addressed a serious injustice but also took the initiative to publish national guidelines. In India's criminal justice system, these standards highlight the importance of honesty, accountability, and equity by averting future wrongful convictions and maintaining the scientific integrity of forensic investigations.

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