LEGAL CONSIDERATION AND ADMISSIBILITY OF TOOL MARKS EVIDENCE
AUTHOR – MONALISHA R A, LLM STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU, CHENNAI
BEST CITATION – MONALISHA R A, LEGAL CONSIDERATION AND ADMISSIBILITY OF TOOL MARKS EVIDENCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (13) OF 2025, PG. 171-181, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Tool mark evidence refers to the impressions, striations, or cuts produced when a tool makes contact with a surface, leaving behind distinctive marks that can be examined scientifically[1]. In forensic investigations, such evidence becomes significant in linking a suspect with the crime scene or object involved[2]. The Indian legal system recognizes tool mark analysis under the category of expert opinion, as provided in Section 39 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam Act, 2023[3]. However, admissibility depends not only on the expertise of the examiner but also on strict adherence to procedural safeguards such as chain of custody and proper documentation[4]. Courts generally consider tool mark evidence as corroborative in nature, requiring support from other forms of evidence before it can substantially influence judicial outcomes[5].
[1] Saferstein, Richard, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 12th ed. (Pearson, 2017) p. 278.
[2] Inman, Keith & Rudin, Norah, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science (CRC Press, 2001) p. 143.
[3] Section 39 of BSA Act, 2023
[4] Sharma, B.R., Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation and Trials, 6th ed. (Universal Law Publishing, 2017) p. 512.
[5] State of Maharashtra v. Damu, (2000) 6 SCC 269.