EVIDENTIARY VALUE OF NARCO- ANALYSIS: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIAN LEGAL POSITION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i11s.2026.8276Keywords:
Narco-Analysis, Evidence Law, Self-Incrimination, Article 20(3), Article 21, Truth Serum, Criminal InvestigationAbstract [English]
This paper explores the value of using narco-analysis and its application in the Indian legal system. A method, using drugs administered to an individual to bring him or her into a semi-conscious state, in order to gain information during a criminal investigation. The study examines the constitutionality of the narco-analysis under Article 20(3) and 21 of the Constitution of India and admissibility under Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The involuntary administration of narco - analysis tests has been limited by judicial pronouncements, especially in Selvi v. State of Karnataka. Finally, the paper finds that the use of narco-analysis as an investigative tool and not substantive evidence on its own must be backed up by legally admissible corroborative evidence.
References
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B.R. Sharma, Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation & Trials (Universal Law Publishing, 2012).
K.S. Narayan Reddy, The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Jaypee Brothers, 2017).
Ministry of Home Affairs, Manual for Forensic Narcoanalysis (2007).
N.V. Paranjape, Criminology and Penology (Central Law Publications, 2018).
National Human Rights Commission, Guidelines on Polygraph Test (2000).
Ratanlal & Dhirajlal, The Law of Evidence (LexisNexis, 2016).
Selvi v. State of Karnataka.
]Law Commission of India, 180th Report on Article 20(3) (2002).
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. L Haritha, Dr. Pininti Sridhar, Anishkumar
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