Supreme Court Reinforces Limits on Narco-Analysis

In December 2025, in a significant ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) held that any forced or involuntary narco test is unconstitutional and invalid.

  • The Supreme Court set aside a Patna High Court order in Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025), holding that it violated the guidelines laid down in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010).

What did the Supreme Court say?

  • Forced narco tests violate fundamental rights under Articles 20(3) and 21.
  • Narco analysis cannot be used as a tool to extract evidence involuntarily.
  • Such tests infringe mental privacy and bodily autonomy.
  • No person can be compelled to become a witness against himself, ....
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