Forced narco tests illegal, results not admissible: Supreme Court

13-Jun-2025

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Setting aside a high court order allowing narco-analysis tests on accused persons without consent, the Supreme Court on Jun 11 asserted that involuntary or forced tests are not permissible under the law.

The Supreme Court held that compelling an accused to undergo narco-analysis, without free and informed consent, violates the constitutional protection against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

"The report of such an involuntary test or any information discovered as a result is not admissible as evidence in criminal or other proceedings," the bench clarified.