LEGALITY OF NARCO ANALYSIS TEST IN INDIA-CONSTITUTIONAL AND JURISPRUDENTIAL PRESPECTIVE
AUTHOR – BHAVADHARANI.M* & MRS. HEMAVATHY**
* STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
** PROFESSOR OF LAW AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR.AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
BEST CITATION – BHAVADHARANI.M & MRS. HEMAVATHY, LEGALITY OF NARCO ANALYSIS TEST IN INDIA-CONSTITUTIONAL AND JURISPRUDENTIAL PRESPECTIVE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 314-323, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT:
Narco-analysis, sometimes referred to as a “truth serum” test, uses medications to put suspects into a hypnotic condition in order to extract concealed information. It is a forensic instrument with stringent legal restrictions related to consent and constitutional rights in India. Barbiturates such as sodium pentothal (3 grams in 3000 ml distilled water, dosed by body weight at 4 ml/min) are used in narco-analysis to sedate a subject and lower inhibitions and willpower for truthful responses during questioning. The word comes from the Greek word “narko” (anesthesia), which produces a semi-conscious condition in which lying is challenging but not impossible.[1] The constitutional validity and practical legality of narco-analysis tests in India are examined in this research. It charts the development from early court approval to the seminal ruling in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010)[2], followed by recent rulings by the Supreme Court reiterating the illegality of involuntary narco testing. The study comes to the conclusion that forced administration of narco-analysis is unlawful and its evidentiary value is extremely restricted, even though volunteer narco-analysis under strict safeguards is not outright prohibited.
KEYWORS:Narco-Analysis, Truth serum test, Indian Constitution, Forensic instrument, Sodium pentothal, Anaesthesia.
[1] NDTV, What Is a ‘Narco Test’: Explained (Nov. 16, 2022), https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/what-is-a-narco-test-explained-3529826. [last accessed Feb 02, 2026].
[2] Selvi v. State of Karnataka, (2010) 7 SCC 263.