Why in news
The CBI conducted a second round of polygraph tests on key suspects and witnesses in the case involving the rape and murder of resident doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata
The need for a second round of tests arose due to inconsistencies in the responses of Sandip Kumar Ghosh, former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College
What are Polygraph Tests?
Polygraph tests, commonly known as lie detector tests, are used to assess whether someone is being truthful by measuring physiological responses.
They assume that certain physiological changes (like changes in heart rate or sweating) occur when a person is lying.
How Are These Tests Administered?
Electrodes and sensors are attached to the subject’s body to measure physiological responses such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and skin conductivity.
During the test, the subject is asked a series of questions while these physiological metrics are recorded.
The data is analyzed to identify potential deception.
Why Have Experts and Scientists Flagged Concerns Regarding Their Efficacy?
The assumption that physiological responses directly indicate lying is disputed.
These responses can also be triggered by stress or anxiety.
Studies show that polygraphs have high rates of false positives, where truthful individuals are wrongly identified as lying.
People can potentially train themselves to control their physiological responses to evade detection.
What Do Judicial Precedents Say?
Before 2010
Indian courts were generally supportive of using deception detection tests, often considering them a useful tool for investigations and not violating fundamental rights.
Courts allowed these tests even without the accused’s consent, viewing them as non-intrusive compared to other methods.
After 2010
Selvi vs. State of Karnataka: The Supreme Court ruled that no lie detector tests should be administered without the accused’s consent, upholding the right against self-incrimination (Article 20(3) of the Constitution).
The Court emphasized that results from these tests cannot be considered confessions but can be used to find corroborative evidence if discovered through voluntary disclosure.
Way Forward
Consider reducing reliance on polygraph tests in light of their questionable reliability and potential for misuse.
Ensure that any use of such tests adheres strictly to guidelines protecting the accused’s rights, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring legal representation.
Explore more reliable and ethical investigative techniques that respect human rights and provide better accuracy in detecting deception
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