The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to a man accused in a case involving the alleged rape and murder of a woman in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district, while expressing deep concern over the state's forensic infrastructure and the inability of laboratories to generate reliable DNA profiles.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, while allowing the bail plea, observed that shortcomings in forensic testing had weakened the scientific evidence available in the case and called upon the State Government to improve facilities at forensic science laboratories.
Background of the Case
The case arose from an incident reported in November 2025. According to the prosecution, the woman had left her home in the evening and later her body was found near a river. An FIR was initially registered against unknown persons.
During the investigation, statements were recorded from witnesses who claimed to have seen the accused near the area where the body was discovered. The prosecution also relied on the recovery of a wristwatch allegedly belonging to the deceased.
The accused, Manoj, sought bail, arguing that his name did not appear in the original FIR and that witness statements linking him to the incident surfaced later during the investigation. The defence also pointed to the forensic report, claiming that no DNA match connected him to biological samples collected from the deceased.
During the hearing, the Court examined the forensic evidence placed before it. The order records that the DNA profile allegedly obtained from the vaginal smear of the deceased could not be conclusively linked to the accused because of insufficient DNA generation.
Justice Deshwal noted that similar issues had surfaced in several cases involving serious offences against women.
The Court observed,
“This Court has to release the applicant on bail for the reason that FSL report does not show that the DNA found in the vaginal smear of the deceased belongs to the applicant because of insufficient generation of DNA profile.”
Expressing concern over the situation, the Court remarked that outdated machinery and inadequate infrastructure were affecting the functioning of forensic science laboratories in Uttar Pradesh. It further noted that vacancies and the absence of advanced equipment had been highlighted previously before the Court.
The judge stated that in serious cases, including those involving allegations of rape followed by murder, courts are often left without complete scientific evidence because DNA profiling cannot be properly generated.
The Court said it expected the State Government to provide high-end machines and sufficient staff to forensic laboratories so that scientific investigations could be conducted effectively. A copy of the order was directed to be sent to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh for placing before the Chief Minister.
Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the prosecution case, the Allahabad High Court held that the applicant was entitled to bail considering the available evidence, the forensic report, and the overall circumstances of the matter.
The Court ordered the release of Manoj on bail subject to furnishing personal bonds and sureties, along with conditions requiring cooperation with the trial, non-interference with evidence, and refraining from any criminal activity.
It also clarified that observations made in the bail order would not affect the ongoing trial.
Case Details
Case Title: Manoj v. State of Uttar Pradesh
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 13242 of 2026
Judge: Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal
Decision Date: May 21, 2026
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