Narco analysis, Brain Mapping are essential, Centre tells SC

New Delhi, Jan 22 (UNI) The Centre today contended before the Supreme Court that Polygraphic, Brain Mapping and Narco analysis tests are important tools of investigation and extremely helpful to solve the cases, involving heinous crimes like terrorism, murder, rape and dacoity.

Solicitor General of India G E Vahanvati submitted before a bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices R V Raveendran and Dalveer Bhandari that these tests are part of scientific investigation and the two tests- Polygraphic and Brain Mapping involve no direct attack on the body of accused. Only in case of Narco analysis test, sodium penthatol is administered in controlled quantity and the utterances help the investigation in collecting substantial evidence which is admissible under the law.

The Centre also submitted before the court that no constitutional infirmity was involved in using these methods keeping in mind the interest of society at large .

These tests are needed for a thorough and proper investigation to bring the culprits to book without encroaching upon the constitutional rights of the citizens.

Petitioner Selvi and others are opposing the tests on the grounds that these attack the body of the accused and drugs and electric shock are used which are harmful for health of the accused and such tests are violative of the fundamental rights.

During the hearing the apex court had indicated that if these methods are not permitted to be used investigating agencies may resort to third degree method. The hearing will continue tomorrow also.

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