Digital Forensic Challenges in Scientific Interrogation Techniques: A Study of NARCO Analysis, Polygraph, Brain Mapping, and Fingerprint Evidence

This paper critically examines the intersection of digital forensics and scientific interrogation techniques, with a particular focus on Narco Analysis, Polygraph Testing, Brain Mapping, and Fingerprint Evidence. These methods, while increasingly utilized in modern criminal investigations, raise pressing legal, ethical, and technological concerns. As investigative tools, they aim to supplement traditional evidence-gathering techniques, yet their scientific validity and procedural integrity remain highly contested within both forensic and legal communities. The study begins with a technological overview of each technique, identifying how digital advancements have transformed their application and integration into the criminal justice system. It then delves into the core legal and constitutional challenges, particularly in the Indian context, exploring how Articles 20(3), 21, and 14 of the Indian Constitution are invoked to protect individual rights against self-incrimination, uphold bodily autonomy, and ensure equality before the law. They explore the ethical dilemmas these techniques pose, such as informed consent, psychological harm, and violations of privacy, especially in light of recent developments in neuroscience and data digitization. The digital forensic aspect is also scrutinized, emphasizing data integrity, cybersecurity threats, and the urgent need for standardization in the collection, storage, and interpretation of evidence derived from these technologies. In conclusion, while scientific interrogation techniques offer investigative promise, their application must be governed by stringent legal and ethical frameworks.