Narco Tests intrusion into a person’s mental privacy: SC
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Government Policies & Interventions; Judiciary
In news
Supreme Court judgment of 2010: Involuntary administration of narco or lie detector tests is an intrusion into a person’s “mental privacy”.
The judgment is significant amid reports that the Uttar Pradesh government wants to subject the family members of a recent gang-rape vicitm to these tests.
What did the judgement say?
The judgment: Smt. Selvi vs. State of Karnataka
Involuntary administration of these scientific tests was sufficient to constitute a custodial environment.
It amounted to a restraint on personal liberty.
The consequences of such tests can be devastating on people from weaker sections of society who are unaware of their fundamental rights and unable to afford legal advice.
It may involve future abuse, harassment and surveillance, even leakage of the video material to the news channels for a trial by media.
Such tests are against human dignity and liberty, and have long-lasting negative effects.
An individual’s decision to make a statement is the product of a private choice and there should be no scope for any other individual to interfere with such autonomy.
Do you know?
Polygraph or Lie Detector Testmeasures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked a series of questions.
Narcoanalysis Test involves the injection of sodium pentothal which induces a hypnotic or sedated state in which the subject’s imagination is neutralized, and they are expected to divulge information that is true.
