The Supreme Court judgment holding forcible use of narco analysis, brain-mapping and polygraph tests on accused persons, suspects and witnesses as unconstitutional and violative of the “right to privacy” is welcome. The three-judge bench, which included Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, deserves praise for its undisputed act of protecting the rights guaranteed to the citizens in the Indian Constitution.
The argument that the apex court ruling would benefit hardened criminals does not hold water, and this negative reaction can be best brushed aside. Instead, one should look at the judgment as something that can protect the rights of the individuals — this is one of the major constitutional duties of the Supreme Court.
In fact, the rule of law in the country mandates the interference with physical privacy only through acts like arrest, detention and seizure.
P Senthil Saravana Durai, Hyderabad
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