On August 29, a special court in Jammu dismissed the National Investigation Agency&rsquo;s (NIA) plea seeking permission to conduct polygraph and narco-analysis tests on two men accused of assisting terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
The accused, Bashir Ahmad Jothatd and Parvaiz Ahmad, were arrested in June under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly providing food, shelter, and logistical aid to the attackers.
The NIA argued that both men had initially &ldquo;volunteered&rdquo; for the tests to resolve contradictions in their statements. 
However, when produced before the court, the accused clearly refused consent.
Citing Article 20(3) of the Constitution&mdash;which protects individuals from self-incrimination&mdash;the court ruled that such tests cannot be forced without free will. 
It further referred to the Supreme Court&rsquo;s 2010 judgment in Selvi &amp; Ors vs State of Karnataka, along with NHRC guidelines and earlier judicial precedents, which mandate that polygraph or narco-analysis procedures must be voluntary, with consent formally recorded before a magistrate to uphold personal liberty.

Jammu court denies NIA plea for narco tests

Court rejects NIA bid for polygraph, narco tests in Pahalgam terror attack case

Jammu Court Rejects NIA Plea For Narco Tests

Court rejects NIA bid for polygraph, narco tests in Pahalgam terror attack case

September 12, 2025 | 16:17 IST