Forensic Environmental Science and Legal Admissibility: Bridging the Gap Between Data and Justice

Abstract

Environmental crime, once considered a peripheral legal concern, has evolved into a critical challenge at the confluence of law, science, and public policy. Forensic Environmental Science (FES) applies scientific techniques such as soil, air, and water analysis, satellite imaging, and bio-indicators to detect and document ecological harm. Despite its potential, admissibility of such scientific evidence in courts often encounters hurdles relating to methodological validity, chain of custody, and the qualifications of expert witnesses. This paper conducts a doctrinal and empirical analysis of how Indian courts and international tribunals treat forensic environmental data under evidentiary law. It compares the admissibility standards under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, with global benchmarks like the Daubert and Frye tests applied in the U.S. judicial system. The study critically examines National Green Tribunal (NGT) cases, pollution board prosecutions, and PILs involving complex environmental data, revealing a gap in the legal system’s preparedness to handle scientific uncertainties. Based on interviews with environmental scientists, legal experts, and judicial officers, the paper recommends a harmonized framework for the collection, preservation, and judicial scrutiny of environmental forensic evidence. It advocates for legislative amendments, judicial training, and clearer evidentiary protocols to reinforce the role of forensic science in advancing environmental justice. The integration of scientifically robust data with legally admissible standards is essential for ensuring accountability in environmental governance.