Maharashtra government quizzed on FSL vacant posts

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the state government to inform it of the date by which 260 vacancies pertaining to technical posts across all forensic laboratories in Maharashtra would be filled up with permanent employees.

The state was asked by the court to file an affidavit explaining why more than 300 posts were filed up on contractual basis in the said laboratories. A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anuja Prabhudesai was hearing a petition filed by Sahayak an NGO, who alleged that 260 posts of technicians are vacant in the state forensic labs and there are also 300 other staff that were hired on contract basis.

The petitioner’s lawyer Ashish Mehta informed the court that the forensic laboratory is very important department of the state and dedicated staff should be appointed there on full-time basis. He also told the court that 260 posts of technician are needs to be filled up early. Mr Mehta, further told the court that on the basis of these forensic laboratories reports, courts decides the important cases and forensic report is considered as crucial evidence in many cases.

After hearing the petitioner the court asked state public prosecutor to file a detail affidavit within 30 days. The court also directed the advocate general to remain present on the next hearing to assist the court in this matter. Subsequently, petitioner brought to the notice of the court that as per CAG report that there are deficiencies in the forensic laboratories accounting. He also alleged that these laboratories are buying equipments on higher rates.