Published Paper Details:

The fields of psychology, psychophysics, and physical sciences have all contributed significantly to the advancement of various lie-detection techniques, which are commonly employed as interrogation tools by law enforcement. One such technique is the Narco-analysis test, popularly dubbed as the 'truth serum' test, which entails administering an injection to the subject that contains a 'barbiturate' such as scopolamine, sodium amytal, or sodium pentothal. Narco-analysis originated from psychiatric practices and involves the assistance of psychiatrists or medical professionals. This article elucidates the nature and scope of the Narco-analysis test and scrutinises its benefits, drawbacks, applications, and misapplications. The Narco-analysis test, a gift of contemporary medical research, is seen as a substitute for the unfortunate and alleged common employment of third-degree tactics to extract potentially incriminating evidence from the suspects. The use of the Narco-analysis test presents various conundrums within the realms of law, science, and ethics. The article delineates the circumstances in which a Narco-analysis test may and may not be permissible. The Narco-analysis test has prompted numerous legal concerns regarding its admissibility as evidence, its potential violation of Article 20(3), and its infringement on personal liberty and privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The article appraises the judiciary's stance on the evidentiary value of Narco-analysis tests and examines its sanctity under Indian Constitutional Law. With a view to upholding the public interest and the cause of justice while safeguarding the rights of the accused, the author has proposed paradigm guidelines with recommendations for the conduction and regulation of the Narco-analysis test. The author has adopted doctrinal research methodology and referred to primary as well as secondary sources in writing this article and in arriving at the aforementioned findings.