“NARCO ANALYSIS LIE DETECTOR TEST AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: A STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM”
AUTHOR – PRANJAL KUKRETI* & ASST PROF. UJJAWAL KUMAR SINGH**
* LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN, UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA
BEST CITATION – PRANJAL KUKRETI & ASST PROF. UJJAWAL KUMAR SINGH, “NARCO ANALYSIS LIE DETECTOR TEST AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: A STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (9) OF 2026, PG. 581-588, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
Narco analysis and lie detector tests have emerged as controversial investigative techniques within the Indian criminal justice system. These scientific methods are primarily used to extract information from suspects and accused persons during criminal investigations. However, their application raises significant constitutional and human rights concerns, particularly regarding the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The involuntary administration of narco analysis, polygraph tests, and brain mapping has been criticized for violating the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3), the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, and the right to privacy. The landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Selvi v. State of Karnataka significantly restricted the compulsory use of such techniques. This study examines the legal validity, constitutional implications, judicial approach, evidentiary value, and ethical dimensions of narco analysis and lie detector tests within the framework of the Indian criminal justice system and fundamental rights jurisprudence.
KEYWORDS: Narco Analysis, Lie Detector Test, Polygraph Examination, Brain Mapping, Fundamental Rights