In a first-of-its-kind reform in Uttar Pradesh, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, has introduced a structured forensic expert-led autopsy system, a move expected to improve scientific accuracy in determining the cause of death, reduce delays in post-mortem reports and strengthen the evidentiary value of medico-legal findings in court cases.
The new framework ends nearly six months of disruption caused by the absence of a formal duty roster and places trained forensic specialists on fixed rotational autopsy duties at one of the state’s busiest medico-legal centres. Officials said the system restores standard operating procedures while ensuring continuity and accountability in handling sensitive medico-legal cases.
Under the revised arrangement, 11 forensic experts have been divided into three units, each assigned weekly rotational duties. The system replaces an interim set-up in which a majority of autopsies, including examinations of unidentified bodies and sensitive medico-legal cases, were conducted by Provincial Medical Health Services (PMHS) doctors while also managing routine clinical responsibilities.
Dr NB Singh, chief medical officer (CMO), said the arrangement marks a major shift in the city’s medico-legal practices. “This is the first time in the history of Lucknow that panel post-mortems are being performed solely by forensic and toxicology experts. Earlier, such panels comprised one forensic expert and two PMHS doctors,” he said.
Officials said the consistent presence of forensic specialists is expected to improve precision in determining both cause and manner of death, reduce inconsistencies in medico-legal reporting and strengthen coordination with investigating agencies. The move is also likely to improve the quality of evidence presented in court proceedings.
KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said the new system would help ensure autopsies are conducted in a more timely and efficient manner.
The lack of a formal roster had increased pressure on PMHS doctors, leading to operational strain and concerns over uniformity in forensic assessments. With the new system now operational, dedicated forensic teams will conduct autopsies on a fixed rotation to ensure specialist attention in all panel post-mortem cases.
The KGMU post-mortem house conducts over 20 autopsies daily and handles around 7,500 to 8,000 cases annually from more than 52 police stations, including those under Government Railway Police jurisdictions.
Authorities said the defined roster is expected to streamline workflow, cut delays in report generation and improve overall efficiency at one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest medico-legal facilities.
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