Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and his auditor Vijay Sai Reddy on Thursday filed their counter to the CBI plea seeking narco tests on them. They made it clear that they are against conveying their consent to such tests and told the court that the Supreme Court has already held that such tests are illegal without consent from the individuals. They sought dismissal of the CBI’s petition.
On Tuesday, the CBI sought permission to subject Jagan to narco and other tests. Charging that Jagan was not at all cooperative and reluctant to reveal anything despite persistent questioning about his assets, the investigation agency filed a petition in the CBI court seeking permission to conduct polygraph, narco and BEAP (Brain Electrical Activation profile) tests on both Jagan and his auditor Vijay Sai Reddy.
The Supreme Court in 2010 held as unconstitutional forcible narco-analysis, polygraph and brain electrical activation profile or brain-mapping tests, in a blow to cops who were increasingly using the procedures as investigation tools. The apex court said they cannot be used even on those accused of serial killings and bomb blasts as they are violative of the fundamental right of a citizen not to incriminate himself and his right to privacy under Articles 20(3) and 21 of the Constitution.