---
title: "Article 20: Protection on Conviction for Offences"
description: "Article 20 of the Indian Constitution protects against ex post facto laws, double jeopardy, and self-incrimination, crucial for UPSC aspirants."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-20-protection-in-respect-of-conviction"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 20 of the Indian Constitution guarantees protection against ex post facto laws, double jeopardy, and self-incrimination for persons accused of offences.
- Can Article 20 be suspended during a national Emergency?
- Does the double jeopardy protection in Article 20(2) cover acquittals?
- Does Article 20(3) protect against giving fingerprints or handwriting samples?
- Does Article 20 protect non-citizens?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010), the Supreme Court of India held that compulsory narco-analysis, polygraph, and brain-mapping tests violate the Article 20(3) protection against self-incrimination.

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