HC directs govt. to file affidavit on vacancies in FSLs

The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to submit an affidavit regarding the filling of vacancies in forensic science laboratories (FSL).

Regarding a joint meeting of the stakeholders concerned, the court said the meeting ought to consider whether any delay in getting reports had led to 529 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act pending before trial courts.

Noting that the government and the Kerala Public Service Commission had not placed on record details regarding vacancies in the FSLs, the court directed the government to file the affidavit. A Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran issued the directive while hearing petitions seeking effective steps to end the drug menace in the State.

The court stressed the need for initiatives like formation of school protection groups mulled over a decade ago, which had as members the head of the institution, president of the PTA, the Station House Officer concerned, counsellor, school leader, and parents.

The court was informed that such groups had been formed in 300 schools in Kochi.