The Evolution of Fingerprint Evidence: Insights from India and the US
The Evolution of Fingerprint Evidence: Insights from India and the US
IN · Published Aug 16, 2026
A detailed analysis of the evolution of fingerprint evidence in Indian and American legal systems highlights the historical and legal significance of this forensic tool. The article traces the origins of fingerprint identification to colonial Bengal, where Azizul Haque and Hem Chandra Bose developed the Henry Classification System. The first recorded use of fingerprint evidence in a criminal case occurred in the 1898 Kangali Charan case in Jalpaiguri, India. In the United States, fingerprint evidence gained formal recognition in 1911 with the People v. Jennings case. Over time, both countries have refined their approaches to fingerprint evidence, with India modernizing its legal framework through the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam,
Meanwhile, the US has adopted a more rigorous approach to the admissibility of forensic evidence through the Daubert standard.

Impact & Risks

The evolution of fingerprint evidence has had a profound impact on the criminal justice systems in both India and the US. In India, the integration of fingerprint evidence into the legal framework has strengthened the ability to link suspects to crime scenes. However, the reliability of fingerprint evidence depends on proper collection, preservation, and analysis. In the US, the Daubert standard has introduced a more stringent evaluation of forensic evidence, emphasizing the need for scientific reliability. Both countries face challenges in ensuring that fingerprint evidence is not misused or over-relied upon, as errors in collection or analysis can lead to wrongful convictions.

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