From Aircraft Wreckage to Orbital Evidence: MNLU Mumbai and NFSU Pioneer the Field of Sky Forensics
The Centre for Research in Criminal Justice (CRCJ), Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai, organised the Global Conference on “Sky Forensics: Investigating Crimes and Catastrophes in Air and Space” on 22 and 23 August 2026, in collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). Hosted by MNLU Mumbai in hybrid mode, the conference brought together legal scholars, forensic scientists, investigators, aviation and space-law experts, professionals, researchers and students from India and abroad.
A one-of-its-kind initiative in India, the conference brought aviation forensics, drone forensics and space forensics within a common interdisciplinary framework. It examined the sky as an emerging forensic domain in which evidence may be dispersed across aircraft wreckage, drones, satellites, telemetry systems, digital devices, communication networks in multiple jurisdictions. The deliberations covered aircraft-accident and post-crash examination, drone-related crimes, UAV data extraction, satellite failures, orbital collisions, space debris, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, criminal negligence, jurisdiction, liability and evidentiary admissibility.
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The collaboration combined MNLU Mumbai’s strengths in law and criminal-justice research with NFSU’s specialised capabilities in forensic science, forensic justice, digital forensics, cybersecurity and scientific investigation. As an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, NFSU provided the conference with a strong forensic and investigative foundation. Its role as an institutional collaborator and knowledge partner ensured that the discussions extended beyond legal and regulatory issues to include evidence recovery, scientific examination, digital-data extraction, victim identification and incident reconstruction.
The conference was hosted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. His guidance and institutional support enabled MNLU Mumbai, through CRCJ, to provide the academic platform, infrastructure and organisational resources required for the programme. In his presidential address, Prof. Ukey highlighted the evidentiary significance of drones and space-based systems, the growing role of artificial intelligence and the need for specialised forensic capabilities and appropriate regulatory frameworks. Dr. Tanaya Kamlakar, Assistant Professor MNLU Mumbai and Faculty Coordinator of Centre for Criminal Justice at MNLU Mumbai played a central role in initiating, planning and organising the conference on behalf of the host institution as the Convener. Ms. Esha Ukey, Research Assistant, MNLU Mumbai executed the Conference seamlessly with the team.
Dr. J. M. Vyas, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, National Forensic Sciences University, extended his institutional support and encouragement despite being unable to attend in person. His guidance facilitated NFSU’s substantive participation and reinforced the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, capacity building and scientific investigation in emerging forensic fields.
Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal, Campus Director, NFSU Delhi Campus and Dean, School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, participated as the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. She mentioned the conceptualisation and contemporary relevance of the conference and, with reference to the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, discussed post-crash examination, victim identification, evidence recovery and incident reconstruction. She also examined the multiple roles of drones as victims, instruments of crime, sources of evidence, witnesses, investigative and surveillance tools, forensic data collectors and transporters. She emphasised the need for specialised programmes, standard operating procedures, simulation facilities, professional training and a comprehensive Sky Forensics Framework for India. Dr. Gaurav Jadhav, Assistant Professor of Law, School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies, NFSU, and Faculty Co-Convenor, played a pivotal role in conceptualising interdisciplinary field encompassing aviation, drone and space forensics and in transforming the idea into a global conference.
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Dr. Ricky J. Lee, Adjunct Professor of Law at The University of Notre Dame Australia, participated as the Second Guest of Honour and delivered an expert session on Sky Forensics. Drawing upon his expertise in space law, he addressed jurisdiction, liability, satellite collisions, space debris, private commercial participation, accountability and international cooperation in space activities.
On the second day, Dr. Maria Di Maggio of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy, delivered an expert session titled “When Does a Space Catastrophe Become a Crime? Criminal Negligence, Causation and Organisational Liability in Space Operations.” She examined the legal threshold at which a technical failure or space catastrophe may become a criminal wrong, focusing on foreseeability, breach of duty, causation, organisational responsibility, jurisdiction and the evidentiary significance of technical warnings.
Prof. Sirio Zolea, Associate Professor of Comparative Law at Roma Tre University and Director of the Interdepartmental Research Center on Space Policies, participated virtually and chaired parallel technical sessions on both days. His engagement with researchers brought valuable comparative-law and space-policy perspectives to the proceedings. The technical sessions were supported by distinguished national and international session chairs whose observations and feedback enriched the paper presentations.
The conference received 217 registrations and was attended by 177 participants. It received 123 research abstracts, of which 120 were selected for presentations and 90 full papers were presented by candidates across the globe. This academic programme featured three international experts, two keynote speakers, two resource persons and ten session chairs.
The conference established an important platform for interdisciplinary research, institutional networking, specialised training and policy development. By connecting forensic science with law, aviation, drone technology and space studies, MNLU Mumbai and NFSU initiated a significant national dialogue on forensic preparedness and accountability for crimes and catastrophes occurring in air and outer space.
Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Chaudhary
Registrar
MNLU Mumbai
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