6.9.2. Description

Article 20(1) guarantees rights against ex-post facto laws. Only a law in force at the time of commission of the said offence can be used to punish an accused. However, such a protection is available only in case of criminal laws and not civil laws.

Article 20(2) provides protection from double jeopardy. It states that an individual can be punished for an offence only once. Departmental inquiries are however not treated as violation of this principle.

Article 20(3) protects an individual from self-incrimination. Every person has the right to defend himself. In Selvi vs. State of Karnataka SC has put restrictions on narco analysis and brain mapping. However, DNA testing and other samples can be taken.