The Department of Forensic Medicine has been functioning since the early 1950s, providing reliable and credible medicolegal services to the districts of Thiruvananthapuram and, earlier, Kollam. With an annual autopsy workload exceeding 3,000 cases, the department handles a wide spectrum of complex deaths with meticulous documentation and evidence presentation before various courts. In addition, it undertakes clinical forensic examinations across diverse criminal contexts. As a leading centre for training and research, the State Medicolegal Institute offers short-term induction and in-service training for magistrates, civil judges, and police personnel of different cadres. The department is currently exploring the introduction and integration of virtual autopsy facilities with guidance and support from the Government.
The mortuary at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram is under the Forensic Medicine Department. It is a modern, high-tech unit built in the multi-speciality block with 48 chambers, multiple autopsy tables, and specialized facilities for decomposed bodies. Handles autopsies (post-mortems) for accident, suspicious, and other cases from Thiruvananthapuram and surrounding areas

Focuses on applying medical knowledge to legal investigations, including autopsies, injury analysis, and medico-legal reporting to support justice and public safety