LIE-DETECTION AS A METHOD FOR CRIME- SOLVING IN INDIA

“If the police had to adopt any lie-detection technique as a measure to facilitate a criminal investigation then it should be presumed that all other attempts to gather evidence or information such as getting a confession have not been successful and that the investigation has come to a standstill”[1]. These are the words of the former additional solicitor general of India, Mr. KN Bhatt. As far as the equation of Indian law and lie-detection is concerned, the use of such methods has been a topic of controversy. A number of professionals both from the field of science and law have for a long time contested against usage of lie detection methods as a part of criminal investigation contesting its lack of precision and probability of erroneous results. Moreover, institutions and individuals dedicated to promotion of human rights have criticized the test stating that it infringes the fundamental rights of the suspects, witnesses or any other person on whom the test is being conducted. This paper talks about the various techniques of lie detection such as brain mapping, polygraph tests and Narco-analysis, along with their flaws, conditions and mechanisms. It will then be followed by the relationship between lie detection methods and the National Human Rights Commission. The paper then elaborates on the legal provisions in India that support or go against the concept of lie detection followed by some Judicial Pronouncements by the Supreme Court of India where it made an attempt to ascertain and elaborate the concept of lie detection’s evidentiary value. Finally, the paper concludes with the author’s personal opinion on the present condition of the usage of lie-detection in India and its future possibilities.