Lucknow: Criminals are increasingly exploiting emerging technologies, and investigators, forensic experts and law enforcement agencies must stay ahead of evolving threats, Justice Rajiv Singh of Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench said while addressing the valedictory session of the international seminar ‘Tech-Sangam’ at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) on Sunday.The seminar brought together judges, police officers, forensic experts, technologists and academicians to discuss cybercrime, scientific evidence, data protection and the growing role of technology in criminal justice. Justice Singh said technological innovation must be effectively integrated into policing, investigations and judicial processes to tackle increasingly sophisticated crimes.Praising UPSIFS, he said the institute had grown into much more than an academic centre and had become an important platform for multidisciplinary innovation. He noted its growing international recognition, campus placement initiatives and specialised training in advanced fields such as quantum technology and forensic science. He expressed confidence that UPSIFS students would contribute to global technological advancements and represent India on international platforms.Highlighting the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, Justice Singh called for a comprehensive and authoritative commentary on the legislation, drawing on parliamentary debates, committee reports and expert opinions. Such a reference document, he said, would help the judiciary and law enforcement agencies interpret the law effectively.He also stressed that preserving scientific and digital evidence was as important as conducting investigations. Referring to concerns such as the potential tampering of DNA samples and digital records, he underlined the need for stringent safeguards and scientific rigour throughout the investigative process.Justice Singh also inaugurated the Centre of Experience for IT-OT Security and Forensics, aimed at strengthening expertise in cybersecurity, operational technology security and forensic applications.UPSIFS founding director GK Goswami said cybercrime and forensic investigations were becoming increasingly complex, requiring a blend of technological innovation and practical policing.Other speakers, including IG Raghavendra Vats and SSF Commandant Satish Kumar, highlighted the growing importance of reliable scientific evidence, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in addressing future cyber and forensic challenges.
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