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: NFSU and MNLU Mumbai Global Conference Explores Crimes Beyond Terrestrial Scene
The boundaries of are no longer confined to the ground. As aviation, drone, and space technologies evolve, so too must the methods used to probe incidents that occur above and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Recognising this critical gap, the and came together on , to host a path-breaking global conference titled : Investigating Crimes and Catastrophes in Air and Space . Held in hybrid mode at MNLU Mumbai’s campus, the event marked a significant step toward building an integrated framework for aerial and space-based .
The conference, conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Vice Chancellor of MNLU Mumbai, drew experts from India, Australia, Italy, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, and Mauritius. It brought together forensic scientists, legal scholars, space law experts, and criminal justice practitioners to examine the unique evidentiary, legal, and institutional challenges posed by incidents occurring in air and outer space. Over two days, participants delved into topics ranging from wreckage analysis and flight recorder data to , , and the role of artificial intelligence in investigations.
Integrating Aviation, Drone and Space Forensics
The central theme of the conference was the convergence of three distinct but interrelated domains: aviation forensics, drone forensics, and space forensics. Dr. Gaurav Jadhav, Assistant Professor of Law at NFSU’s and the Faculty Convenor of the conference, outlined the concept of as an integrated field. He emphasised that incidents in air and space often produce dispersed wreckage, rely on remotely stored records, and involve evidence that spans multiple jurisdictions—requiring a new breed of forensic expertise.
Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal, Campus Director of and Dean of the , delivered the keynote address. She described as “an emerging field involving dispersed wreckage, inaccessible environments, remotely stored records, flight and , and evidence extending across multiple jurisdictions.” Drawing on the example of the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, she illustrated the complexities of , , and when the crime scene is not a fixed location but a dynamic, three-dimensional space.
Legal and Jurisdictional Challenges in Outer Space
One of the most compelling sessions was delivered by Dr. Ricky J. Lee, Adjunct Professor of Law at , who served as the second Guest of Honour. With deep expertise in space law, Dr. Lee addressed the legal and institutional challenges inherent in investigating incidents in outer space. He examined issues of , , , , private commercial participation, and the need for international cooperation.
His remarks underscored a fundamental tension: while space activities are increasingly commercialised and global, the legal framework remains fragmented. For instance, when a satellite collision occurs, which state has ? Who is liable for damage caused by ? How can investigators access held by private companies based in different countries? These questions, Dr. Lee argued, demand a harmonised legal regime if justice is to be served in space.
Dr. Maria Di Maggio of the , deepened the discussion in a session titled “When Does a Space Catastrophe Become a Crime?” She examined the elements of , , and in space operations. Her analysis focused on the threshold at which an accident—such as a rocket failure or a satellite malfunction—transitions from a matter to a requiring or .
Drone Forensics: Instruments of Crime and Sources of Evidence
Drones occupied a prominent place in the conference agenda. Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal emphasised that drones play multiple forensic roles. They can be instruments of crime, used to deliver illegal payloads or conduct surveillance; they can be sources of evidence, carrying flight logs, photographs, videos, location data, and communication records; and they can serve as surveillance tools for law enforcement. She called for “ by design,” urging manufacturers and operators to ensure that drone systems are designed to preserve evidence from the outset.
This sentiment was echoed by Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey in his presidential address. He noted that “drones can contain flight records, photographs, videos, location data, communication records and operational logs that may assist investigators in reconstructing incidents.” He also stressed the need for specialised forensic capabilities and regulatory frameworks to govern the use of artificial intelligence in aerial and space technologies.
Building by Design
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to move from reactive to proactive forensic approaches. Prof. (Dr.) Purvi Pokhariyal explicitly called for “ by design,” proposing that India develop specialised academic programmes, standard operating procedures, simulation facilities, professional training, and a comprehensive framework. The idea is that forensic considerations should be integrated into the design and operation of aircraft, drones, and spacecraft—much like cybersecurity is now embedded in software development.
The conference recorded 217 registrations, 177 participants, and 123 research abstracts. Of the 91 full papers received, 90 were accepted for presentation. The programme also included three international experts, two keynote speakers, two resource persons, and ten session chairs. This level of engagement reflects the growing recognition that forensic science must expand its horizon to the skies.
Comparative Perspectives from Abroad
The international dimension of the conference was enriched by the virtual participation of Prof. Sirio Zolea, Associate Professor of Comparative Law at and Director of the . He chaired technical sessions across both days and facilitated discussions on comparative legal approaches. His contributions highlighted how different legal systems are beginning to grapple with the regulation of aerial and space activities and the importance of learning from one another.
Experts from Australia, Italy, Poland, the UAE, and Mauritius brought diverse perspectives on investigation, regulation, and accountability. Their insights underscored that no single country can address the challenges of alone. International collaboration—both in research and in operational coordination—is essential.
The Road Ahead: Interdisciplinary Approaches
The conference concluded with a strong consensus that interdisciplinary approaches are vital. The traditional separation between aviation law, space law, criminal law, and forensic science must be bridged. Dr. Gaurav Jadhav, who played a key role in developing the conference theme and engaging national and international experts, noted that the success of will depend on the ability of lawyers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to work together.
Dr. J. M. Vyas, Vice Chancellor of NFSU, extended institutional support to the initiative, highlighting NFSU’s expertise in forensic science, forensic justice, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and scientific investigation. MNLU Mumbai’s strength in law and criminal justice research provided the perfect complement.
As aerial and space activities continue to expand—from commercial space flights to ubiquitous drone deliveries—the likelihood of incidents involving criminal or catastrophic dimensions will only increase. The conference has laid the groundwork for a dedicated field that can ensure that when crimes and catastrophes occur above the Earth, they are investigated with the same rigour and justice as those on the ground.
