Opinion of expert

Opinion of expert is relevant in evidence, but without examination of such expert his report is not admissible.

Credibility of DNA test inter alia depends on the standards employed for collection and transmission of samples to the Forensic Laboratory

Safe custody of the samples is pivotal

Prosecution must establish that the chain of custody was unbroken, unsuspicious, indubitable, safe and secure

Any break in the chain or lapse in the control of sample would make the DNA test report unreliable.

Non-examination of medical officer cannot be pressed into service like ritualistic formula for discarding the prosecution with a stroke of pen

Effort was to be made at appreciating the worth of his evidence

If the medical officer is not traceable/available then some other person from the same department, who knows about his handwriting and signature, should be called for evidence as it is admissible in evidence under the Qanun-e-Shahadat, 1984.

Manifestly flawed or slipshod expert opinion cannot override direct and positive proof, unambiguously spelling out culpability.

Such opinion is always to be considered with great caution and to be taken subject to particular facts and circumstances of a particular case.

In absence of any other independent corroborating evidence, conviction cannot be awarded merely in view of such opinion, particularly when there is reasonable doubt and benefit of which has to be extended in favour of accused.