G.Rajaratnam v. Govt.of Andhra Pradesh

This writ petition is filed by the petitioners being aggrieved by the action of the respondents in proposing to conduct Polygraph test on the petitioners connection with Crime No.42 of 2004.

According to the petitioners, a complaint was lodged by one Narasimha Raju stating that certain electrical wires were found hanging to their doors and also to their compound wall which apparently according to them, were intended to kill the said complainant Narasimha Raju and his wife Appalanarasamma. Thereupon the crime was registered under Section 307 read with Section 511 of IPC before the Station House Officer, Kalla Police Station. During the investigation, the respondent-authorities proposed to conduct Polygraph test against the petitioners. In fact, the petitioners have expressed their readiness to undergo such test not only in the affidavit but also even before the Police authorities, by giving it in writing. However, their apprehension is that the said test may not be conducted in accordance with the procedure contemplated. Therefore, they sought for a direction that such test is to be conducted in the presence of their counsel.

A counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the respondents disputing and denying the allegations made by the petitioners and it is also contended that the Polygraph test is to be conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, and not by the Police authorities and the petitioners need not apprehend against the police authorities. The learned Government Pleader also contended that in any case, as the petitioners have expressed their willingness to undergo Polygraph test, the respondent-authorities may not have any objection for the presence of their counsel.

Under the above circumstances, the writ petition is disposed of, with a direction to the respondents to conduct the Polygraph test on the petitioners in the presence of their advocate. No costs. 17th June, 2004 ASSISTANT REGISTRAR //True Copy// SECTION OFFICER To 1The Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Home Department, Secretariat, Hyderabad. 2 The Superintendent of police, West Godavari District, Eluru. 3 The Inspector of Police, Bhimavaram Rural Circle, Bhimavaram, West Godavari Dist. 4 The Sub-Inspector of Police, Kalla Police Station, Kalla Mandal, West Godavari Dist. 5 Two CCs to Government Pleader for Home, High Court Buildings, Hyderabad. (OUT) 6 Two CDs.