A magistrate’s court in Kerala has allowed the police to conduct a polygraph (lie detector) test on at least 10 staff members of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple
About Polygraph Test:
A polygraph test is a method used to measure physiological responses to questions to determine whether a person is being truthful.
Records physiological responses such as pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, and galvanic skin response while a person answers questions.
Legal Status in India
oNo statute mandates polygraph tests; the practice is governed under investigative discretion of police/intelligence agencies.
oIndian Evidence Act, 1872: Section 45 allows expert opinion evidence. Polygraph reports can be presented as expert opinion, but not treated as conclusive evidence.
Supreme Court Position: In Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010), SC ruled:
oPolygraph, narco-analysis, and brain-mapping tests cannot be forced, as they violate Article 20(3) (Right against self-incrimination).
oThey cannot be admitted as evidence in criminal trials without voluntary consent.
Constitutional Provisions
oArticle 20(3) – Protection against self-incrimination: No person can be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. Forced polygraph tests violate this right.
oArticle 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Non-consensual polygraph tests may violate personal liberty and dignity.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
