“EXAMINATION AND MATCHING OF TOOLMARK EVIDENCE: A STUDY ON EVIDENTIARY RELIABILITY AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY”
AUTHOR – R. BHUVANESHWARI, LLM STUDENT (CRIME AND FORENSIC LAW) AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW (SOEL), THE TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
BEST CITATION – R. BHUVANESHWARI, “EXAMINATION AND MATCHING OF TOOLMARK EVIDENCE: A STUDY ON EVIDENTIARY RELIABILITY AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 691-703, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT:
Toolmark evidence occupies a distinctive place in forensic science because of its ability to link a particular tool to a criminal act through unique impressions or striations. The reliability of such evidence, however, depends on the examination and matching of the toolmark evidence, which forms a critical component in the process of criminal investigation and adjudication. The scientific reliability, interpretative accuracy, and ethical conduct of forensic experts in this domain have come under judicial scrutiny. This study seeks to examine the scientific processes employed in identifying and comparing toolmarks while also exploring how variations in methodology, human subjectivity, and lack of standardized protocols may affect the accuracy of forensic conclusions and their admissibility in courts. This paper also studies traditional and advanced forensic methodologies including stereomicroscopy, comparison microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and emerging digital and three-dimensional imaging techniques. It highlights the significance of class, subclass, and individual characteristics in the process of matching, while also identifying challenges such as tool wear, environmental influences, and examiner subjectivity. By addressing issues of reproducibility, error rates, and limitations in existing protocols, the study evaluates the extent to which toolmark evidence can be considered scientifically valid and legally reliable. Through doctrinal analysis on the legal note focusing on the admissibility of toolmark evidence under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, supported by forensic case studies, it evaluates whether existing legal frameworks adequately address the ethical challenges, professional accountability, and potential biases in forensic reporting. The study concludes that while toolmark evidence is an indispensable investigative aid, its legal credibility requires enhanced standardization, technological integration, and expert accountability. Strengthening forensic methodologies and aligning them with robust judicial scrutiny will not only improve the evidentiary value of toolmark analysis but also safeguard the fairness of criminal trials.
KEYWORDS: Toolmark Evidence, Forensic Methodologies, Evidentiary value, Judicial Scrutiny, Expert Accountability.