Panel to draft Medico Legal Manual for J&K

Jammu: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step towards enhancing its medico-legal framework by constituting a committee to prepare a comprehensive Medico Legal Manual for the Union Territory.
Through Government Order No.: 1628-JK(GAD) of 2024, issued by the General Administration Department , the committee has been assigned the task of developing a standardized manual that will guide the medico-legal examination and postmortem procedures across the region.
The committee, chaired by the Principal of Government Medical College, Anantnag, includes representatives from key departments, such as the police, prosecution, forensic science, and law. High-ranking officials, including those from the Health and Medical Education Department, the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Forensic Science Laboratory, will contribute their expertise in shaping the manual. The committee may also co-opt additional members if needed.
The primary objective of this committee is to create a detailed protocol for conducting medico-legal and postmortem examinations. This protocol will outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the police, health officials, and prosecution, ensuring that all processes related to evidence handling and preservation are meticulously followed. The manual is expected to establish a standardized approach, strengthening coordination between departments and improving overall efficiency in medico-legal matters.
The committee has been given a one-month timeframe to complete its report, with the Health and Medical Education Department providing the necessary support. The committee is also empowered to seek input from relevant organizations and institutions within Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the manual reflects local requirements and challenges.
The issuance of this order by Sanjeev Verma, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, highlights the government's commitment to improving its medico-legal procedures, ensuring that the handling of such sensitive matters is done with utmost precision and professionalism.