Narcoanalysis In Criminal Investigation: A Conflict Between Truth-Seeking And The Right To Fair Investigation And Privacy Under Article 21
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Santhosh, The Central Law College, Salem, Tamil Nadu
ABSTRACT
Narcoanalysis, together with allied scientific interrogation techniques such as the polygraph (lie-detector) test and the Brain Electrical Activation Profile (BEAP), has been employed by Indian investigating agencies as a supposed aid to uncovering the truth in criminal cases. While proponents present these methods as valuable investigative tools capable of cutting through an uncooperative suspect's silence, their involuntary use raises serious constitutional concerns chiefly, the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and the right to life, personal liberty, privacy, and fair investigation under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This paper traces the scientific and legal nature of narcoanalysis, surveys the trajectory of Indian High Court and Supreme Court jurisprudence culminating in Selvi v. State of Karnataka, identifies the constitutional, procedural, and scientific problems the technique generates, and evaluates existing regulatory gaps. It then proposes a set of legal and legislative reforms designed to reconcile investigative utility with constitutional fidelity. The study adopts a mixed- methods design, combining quantitative analysis of reported judicial and forensic-practice trends with qualitative doctrinal analysis of constitutional text, case law, and comparative jurisprudence, in order to arrive at a balanced and implementable set of conclusions.
Keywords: Narcoanalysis, Article 21, Article 20(3), self-incrimination, right to privacy, fair investigation, criminal procedure, forensic science, Selvi v. State of Karnataka
