There is no hard and fast rule as to how much time would be taken by the expert to examine the signature / handwriting. It depends on the level of pendency with that particular forensic science laboratory where it has been sent for examination, and the number of experts available in that laboratory. A period of 6 months is not unusual for the experts to give their opinion on handwriting or signatures, since generally they have a lot of pendency.
Once the handwriting expert has given his opinion of verifying the genuineness of the signature during the investigation stage, during trial it will be subjected to scrutiny and evidence will be recorded in this regard during trial. Likewise, in the civil case also, there may be a separate evidence recording with regard to the signature forgery. Civil and criminal cases are different and are supposed to be conducted independently and separately.
Dr. Ashok Dhamija is a New Delhi based Supreme Court Advocate and author of law books. Read more about him by clicking here. List of his Forum Replies. List of his other articles. List of his Quora Answers. List of his YouTube Videos.
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