CHAPTER III FORENSIC ADVISORY COUNCIL

13. The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a Forensic Science Advisory Council for the purpose of advising the Authority, from time to time.

14. (1) The Advisory Council shall consist of a  President and not less than ten members from amongst the following, namely:―

(a) the Union Home Minister or his nominee — chairman ex officio; (b) the Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority — member ex officio; (c) the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation — member ex officio; (d) the Solicitor General of India or his nominee  — member ex officio; (e) a representative of the National Academy of Medical Sciences — member;  (f) the Chairperson of the National Science Academy or nominee — member ex officio; (g) the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women or nominee — member ex officio; (h) the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission or nominee — member ex officio; (i) one nominee each from non-governmental organisations or the civil society working in the field of criminal justice, to be nominated by the Central Government — member (j) the Director General of the Directorate of Forensic Science Services — member secretary ex officio.

15. (1) The term of the nominated members of the Advisory Council shall be three years.

(2) No person shall be nominated as a member of the Advisory Council for more than two terms.

(3) The remuneration or allowances payable to the members of the Advisory Council shall be such as may be prescribed.

16. (1) The Advisory Council shall meet at such places and times, and shall follow such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be provided by regulations.

(2) The Chairperson, if for any reason, is unable to attend a meeting of the Advisory Council, the senior-most Member present at the meeting shall preside.

(3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Advisory Council shall be decided by a majority of the members present and voting and, in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson or the Member presiding shall have the right to exercise a second or casting vote.

17. The Forensic Advisory Council shall— (a) maintain a register of forensic science practitioners in the country in such form and manner as may be specified by regulations; and  (b) make criteria for inclusion of forensic science practitioners in the register.

(2) The Advisory Council may, in the discharge of its powers and functions, call for such information and details from the Directorate of Forensic Science Services or such other person as it may consider necessary.