Programme 01150 / 150 ADMITTED
MBBS (2nd & 3rd Year)
Undergraduate Core Specialty
Batch size150
Structured training in death investigation, legal procedures, and medical ethics with integrated autopsy and crime scene visits.
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Expertise at the intersection of medicine, law, and toxicology. We specialize in medico-legal investigations, poisoning analysis, and forensic pathology to support justice and medical ethics.
The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at AVMCH has over 35 years of UG teaching excellence. We provide comprehensive medico-legal services, including injury examinations, sexual offense evaluations, and expert court testimonies. Our department operates state-of-the-art toxicology and forensic histopathology labs, collaborating closely with law enforcement and the judiciary.
35+ Years of Teaching Excellence
Expert Court Testimony Services
Interactive Google-Quiz Assessments
01MB
150
UG seats / year
02Yr
35+
Teaching Legacy
03Mu
Extensive
Forensic Museum
04Rs
13+
Research Publications
Department
Science In The Service Of Justice.
We bridge clinical medicine and the legal system through forensic pathology, clinical toxicology, and medical jurisprudence, ensuring accurate documentation of truth.
Forensic Medicine applies medical knowledge to legal matters, including cause/manner of death determination, injury documentation, and identity assessments. Our department specializes in identifying poisons and chemicals to aid criminal investigations. We contribute to justice by providing unbiased scientific evidence, covering everything from post-mortem procedures to emerging molecular analyses.
Our undergraduate program offers unique innovative practices like interactive Google Quizzes for gamified learning, casualty visits for live MLC handling, and elective postings for jail and crime scene investigation visits. Students witness post-mortem procedures first-hand, learning identification techniques and histopathology sampling essential for legal medical practice.
The department handles complex medico-legal cases in casualty, documenting injuries and sexual offenses while ensuring absolute victim confidentiality and dignity.
Interns are integrated into a rigorous program involving pre/post evaluations, MCQ creation assignments, and real-time emergency medico-legal documentation.
Research Focus
Thrust · Stature Estimation, DNA Degradation, Medico-legal Signage
Outreach
Outreach · Anti-Drug Abuse Awareness & Police Collaboration
II / Academics
Mastering Medical Jurisprudence.
Academic Programmes
Programme 02INTERNSHIP READY
Forensic Internship
Post-MBBS Practical Rotation
DurationCompulsory
Hands-on rotation in casualty/emergency for MLC registration, injury documentation, and evidence preservation protocols.
Head of Department
Authority In Forensic Pathology.
The department is led by Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar, Professor & HOD, an expert with vast experience in medico-legal consultations.
Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar
Professor & Head · MBBS, MD (FMT)
Dr. Pawar oversees the department's academic and administrative functions, ensuring high-quality forensic education and ethical medico-legal reporting. He leads the team in collaborating with judicial bodies and provides expert testimony in high-profile cases.
Faculty
Experts in Medical Law & Toxicology.
2 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
SJ
Dr. S. Jeevithan
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (FMT)
AH
Dr. A. Haricharan
Assistant Professor
MBBS, MD (FMT)
Research · Thrust Areas
Innovative Forensic Investigations.
Stature Estimation
Estimating stature from foot print and sternum length in specific ethnic populations.
Forensic DNA
Researching the effect of household chemicals on human DNA degradation from a forensic perspective.
Clinical Forensics
Analyzing profiles of medico-legal cases in tertiary casualty settings to improve documentation quality.
Research & Innovation
Unlocking Truth Through Science.
Our faculty are actively involved in research that advances medical knowledge and innovation in medical law, with 13+ recent publications in specialized forensic journals.
Research Snapshot
Expert contributions to Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Estimation of stature from foot print length in Pondicherry population | PI: Dr. A. Haricharan | Intramural | Stature Estimation | Ongoing |
| 02 | Effect of common household chemicals on human DNA: A Forensic perspective | PI: Dr. A. Haricharan | Intramural | DNA Forensics | Ongoing |
Publications
Documenting Medico-Legal Milestones.
Forensic Microbiology: A comprehensive review
International Journal of Medical Justice
Dr. S. Jeevithan, Dr. A. Haricharan, Dr. G.S. Pawar
A case report of Transgender sexual assault
Int Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Dr. S. Jeevithan, Dr. A. Haricharan
Diagnostic value of fluid in paranasal sinuses for differentiating Drowning
Journal of South India Medical Legal Association
Dr. S. Jeevithan
Estimation of Stature from the Length of the Sternum in ethnic Meitei Population
Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
Dr. A. Haricharan
Death Due To Choking In Head Injury Due To Blunt Object: A Case Report
Int Journal of Research And Analytical Reviews
Dr. A. Haricharan
Medico-Legal Services
Emergency & Judicial Support.
Casualty MLC
24/7 Documentation
Age Estimation
By Appointment
Sexual Offence
Immediate (Confidential)
Toxicology
Sample Processing
Infrastructure
Comprehensive Forensic Resources.
Forensic Museum
Specimens
Extensive collection of bones, weapons, photographs, and preserved specimens for teaching injuries and toxicology.
Toxicology Research Lab
Equipped
Dedicated lab for toxicology analysis and forensic histopathology research.
Demo & Quiz Room
50 Capacity
Equipped for practical examinations, Google Quizzes, and hands-on sessions like spotters.
Med-Legal Offices
Faculty Hub
Individual workspaces for HOD and faculty for academic coordination and judicial consults.
Philosophy
Forensic · AVMCH
“Providing unbiased scientific evidence to the scales of justice, while upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and victim dignity.
Department of Forensic Medicine, AVMCH & Hospital
Recognition
Academic & Research Excellence.
APJ Abdul Kalam Nation Star Award
Dr. A. Haricharan
Excellent Researcher · Feb 2025
Peer-Review Excellence
Dr. A. Haricharan
Feb 2025
Forensic Consultancy Expert
Dr. A. Haricharan
Feb 2025
Events & Visits
Beyond The Classroom.
26
JUN 2025
International Anti-Drug Abuse Day
Awareness Campaign
Dept of Forensic
28
FEB 2025
Jail Visit (Central Jail Kalapet)
Elective Posting
Final Year Students
01
FEB 2025
Crime Scene Investigation Visit
Forensic Science Dept
Elective Students
19-21
APR 2023
Forensis Pondy 2023
State Conference
AVMCH & Medicolegal Society
Get in Touch
Medico-Legal Contact Point.
For judicial consultations, expert testimony, or academic queries, please reach out to the HOD office.
HOD:Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar
Email:gurudattapawar.sadashiv@avmc.edu.in
Assistant Prof:Dr. S. Jeevithan (9488466253)
Location:Forensic Block · AVMCH Puducherry
Testimonials
Student & Alumni Voices
"The clinical exposure and mentorship I received in this department shaped my entire career. The faculty goes above and beyond to ensure we grasp both the theoretical and practical aspects of patient care."
D
Dr. Ananya Sharma
Alumni · Class of 2021
"State-of-the-art facilities and a rigorous academic environment make this department stand out. I am extremely grateful for the hands-on research opportunities that were available from day one."
R
Rahul Menon
Student · Current Final Year
"A truly remarkable department with a strong emphasis on competency-based learning. The regular CMEs, specialty clinics, and dedicated teaching sessions have provided me with a strong foundation."
D
Dr. Priya Desai
Alumni · Class of 2019