The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab organized a Panel Discussion to launch a Pilot Advocacy Project on Wrongful Prosecution. Dr. K.P. Singh, former DGP, Haryana; Dr. G.K. Goswami, ADGP, U.P.; Ms. Malvika Singh, Advocate Punjab & Haryana High Court, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL, Punjab and RGNUL Faculty discussed crucial issues, objectives, role of stakeholders, point of intervention and working of the Pilot Project of Advocacy on Wrongful Prosecution.Prof. G.S. Bajapi, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL chaired the discussion on wrongful convictions.
“Remarkable changes driven by mounting exonerations through work of innocence project and development of DNA Technology have opened up dialogue on research and legal methods to address wrongful convictions, ” he said. Prof. G.S. Bajpai apprised the participants about Pilot Advocacy Project on Wrongful Prosecution at RGNUL. “In order to promote justice and address improper prosecution, RGNUL’s Pilot Advocacy Project will involve students and faculty in hands-on work experience for providing aid to innocent and wrongful imprisoned persons. It will also make tremendous contribution for preparing policy documents for exoneration of innocent, ” said Prof. Bajpai.
Dr. G.K. Goswami examined the common sources of error in the Criminal Justice System. While alludind to forensic errors, prosecutorial misconduct and eyewitness misidentification, Dr. Goswami observed that transparency in evidence collection is integral to fair investigation. “Fair investigation is precursor to free trial, ” he said. Dr. Goswami elaborated on forensic jurisprudence and Alec Jeffery’s DNA Technology “genetic witness” to discover truth behind facts in cases of wrongful prosecution.Dr. K.P. Singh deliberated on the importance of intervention of police for proper investigation of cases. “The Criminal Justice Professionals and policy makers should learn lessons from research on Wrongful convictions and apply findings to right the wrongs of erroneous convictions”
Prof. AnandPawar, Registrar, RGNUL said, “RGNUL’s Pilot Project on Advocacy for Wrongful Prosecution is an attempt to address miscarriage of justice. This project aims to facilitate the development of holistic policy for the innocent victims.”RGNUL faculty was present during the discussion.