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By:

Dr. Keshav Kumar & Hemanth Sai Reddy

19 June 2025 at 2:30:46 pm

Beyond the ‘Truth Serum’

Narcoanalysis is often sensationalised as a “truth serum”, but in reality, it is a scientific investigative aid grounded in neuroscience and forensic psychology. In an era where crime has become increasingly sophisticated, law-enforcement agencies are compelled to rely on science as much as instinct. Among the most debated tools in this scientific arsenal is narcoanalysis, often sensationalised as a “truth serum” test. While critics question its ethics and reliability, narcoanalysis, when...

Beyond the ‘Truth Serum’

Narcoanalysis is often sensationalised as a “truth serum”, but in reality, it is a scientific investigative aid grounded in neuroscience and forensic psychology. In an era where crime has become increasingly sophisticated, law-enforcement agencies are compelled to rely on science as much as instinct. Among the most debated tools in this scientific arsenal is narcoanalysis, often sensationalised as a “truth serum” test. While critics question its ethics and reliability, narcoanalysis, when applied lawfully and scientifically, has proved to be a valuable investigative aid, particularly in complex and deadlocked cases. Narcoanalysis involves the controlled administration of barbiturates such as sodium pentothal (sodium thiopental), sodium amytal, or similar drugs that depress the central nervous system. These substances induce a semi-conscious state in which higher cognitive inhibitions are lowered. The scientific premise rests on neuroscience and psychology: when cortical control is suppressed, a subject becomes less guarded, allowing spontaneous verbalisation of memories that may be consciously suppressed during conventional interrogation. Trained forensic psychologists, assisted by anaesthesiologists, conduct questioning in this altered mental state, ensuring medical safety and procedural discipline. From a neural and philosophical standpoint, narcoanalysis recognises the layered nature of human cognition. Memory is not always accessible through conscious recall; fear, guilt, or trauma often block truthful disclosure. By chemically reducing mental resistance, narcoanalysis can allow access to subconscious recollections. India’s experience with narcoanalysis includes several high-profile criminal investigations. In the Nithari serial killings case, narcoanalysis of the accused reportedly helped investigators reconstruct timelines and locate corroborative evidence when the probe had reached a standstill. Similarly, during the Telgi fake stamp paper scam, narcoanalysis was used to unravel the scale of the conspiracy and identify critical links, leading to further recoveries and arrests. In cases involving organised crime and terrorism, the technique has often served as a breakthrough mechanism. The judiciary has acknowledged this investigative utility while firmly drawing constitutional boundaries. In Selvi & Ors. v. State of Karnataka (2010) ,  the Supreme Court held that   involuntary narcoanalysis is unconstitutional, as it violates the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and the right to personal liberty under Article 21. However, the judgement did not discard narcoanalysis altogether. Instead, it carved out a lawful space for its voluntary use, subject to strict safeguards. The Court clarified that narcoanalysis may be conducted only with the free, informed consent of the subject,   recorded before a judicial magistrate, with access to legal counsel and full disclosure of medical and legal consequences. Crucially, while statements made during narcoanalysis are not admissible as evidence ,  the court recognised that facts discovered as a result of such statements may be admissible, provided they are independently verified. Thus, if narcoanalysis leads to the discovery of a weapon, location, or material fact, and such discovery is corroborated independently, it can assume evidentiary value not because of the statement itself, but because of the factual discovery it enables. Indian courts have, on occasion, acknowledged the relevance of scientific interrogation techniques. The Bombay High Court, in cases such as  Ramchandra Ram Reddy v. State of Maharashtra , emphasises narcoanalysis and related forensic tests as necessary modern investigative tools, provided they are conducted ethically, scientifically, and under judicial oversight. While courts remain cautious, there is judicial appreciation of science-led investigation when constitutional safeguards are respected. Institutions such as the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFS) and Gujarat FSL have further strengthened the credibility of narcoanalysis by developing it within a forensic psychology framework, adhering to international medical and ethical standards. Their work demonstrates that narcoanalysis, when conducted by experts rather than interrogators, can align with both science and law. Narcoanalysis is neither a magic wand nor a mediaeval coercive practice. It is a scientific investigative aid, meant to supplement—not supplant—traditional evidence. Used voluntarily, cautiously, and professionally, it can illuminate investigative paths otherwise hidden. In the balance between civil liberties and societal interest in justice, narcoanalysis deserves not dismissal but disciplined acceptance within the rule of law.   (Kumar is a former IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Reddy is Forensic Psychologist & Corporate Security & Loss Prevention Executive. Views personal.)

Clever seat selection helped BJP to secure historic win

The party won 65 seats against Congress, 37 against NCP (SP) and 29 against Shiv Sena (UBT)

Clever seat selection

Mumbai: The BJP’s strategic seat sharing with the allies has proved beneficial for the party. An analysis of the Assembly election results show that the BJP has scored over its main rival, the Congress, in a big way because of the direct fights.


The analysis shows that BJP defeated all three constituents of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) – Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) – in the direct fights. This is attributed as one of the reasons for the BJP’s historic poll success.


The BJP contested 147 out of 288 seats. In 76 constituencies, it faced Congress. BJP secured victory in 65 seats and lost only 11 seats, making it a whopping 86 per cent of the total direct fights. This was followed by an even stronger performance against NCP (SP). Of the total 39 fights with Sharad Pawar’s party, BJP captured 37 seats making it 95 per cent of the total fights with NCP (SP). BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) were head-to-head in 32 constituencies, of which BJP emerged victorious in 29 seats, making this 91 per cent of the total direct contests.


According to a BJP strategist the party had bargained hard with its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP to get the desired constituencies in the seat sharing formula. “We had studied to potential candidates of the MVA. That helped us in choosing the seats where we can register comfortable victories,” the strategist said.


BJP spokesperson Niranjan Shetty attributed the success to all the party workers who worked hard to boost development, infrastructure in the state. He gave credit to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his contribution to the party’s success.


Shetty pointed out that in 2019, Uddhav Thackeray had stalled all the “novel” and “legendary” projects that Fadnavis had started when he had taken over as CM, making it very easy for the people of Maharashtra to strike a comparison between both the leaders and the potential they had for serving the people. “Devendra Fadnavis gave up his post very easily for the larger good. There are many such examples like Venkaiah Naidu who was BJP National President and later worked as the Vice President of India because that was the need of the hour. We seldom care about our posts,” Shetty told The Perfect Voice.


Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe refused to call the election results as the people’s mandate. “This is not at all a Janata mandate. Despite Maharashtra struggling with so many basic social issues, how can BJP acquire such a huge mandate is the question. If a student copies and fails with just passing marks, it can go unnoticed, but if a student copies and bags the number one position, something is fishy. Why is the BJP scared of ballot papers?” he said.

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