The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in Indian criminal law, enshrined in Article 20(3) of the Constitution. However, as an exception, preventive detention laws like the National Security Act (NSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) allow for detention without trial,Read more
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right in Indian criminal law, enshrined in Article 20(3) of the Constitution. However, as an exception, preventive detention laws like the National Security Act (NSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) allow for detention without trial, effectively reversing the burden of proof.
These laws are justified on the grounds of national security and public order, as they aim to prevent individuals from engaging in activities that may threaten the state. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of preventive detention laws, provided they adhere to the procedural safeguards laid down in Article 22 of the Constitution.Laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) have also been criticized for shifting the burden of proof onto the accused. While the government argues that these laws are necessary to combat serious crimes, civil liberties advocates contend that they undermine the presumption of innocence and due process.
The increasing use of such laws raises concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights and the creation of a new norm where the exception becomes the rule. It is crucial to strike a balance between national security and individual rights, ensuring that preventive detention laws are used judiciously and in accordance with constitutional principles.
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Yes, an FIR can be filed by the accused but the admissibility of such an FIR in court as a confession is a tangled issue, completely depending on the set of circumstances of the case. Admissibility as a Confession: Generally, an FIR filed by an accused is not admissible in the court as a confession.Read more
Yes, an FIR can be filed by the accused but the admissibility of such an FIR in court as a confession is a tangled issue, completely depending on the set of circumstances of the case.
Admissibility as a Confession:
Generally, an FIR filed by an accused is not admissible in the court as a confession. This is due to the following reasons:
1. Voluntariness: A confession should be voluntary and shall be made free from duress or any sort of inducement to be taking as admissible. An FIR filed by an accused does not fall under this category especially at times of coercion or pressure.
2. Warning: Any confession that may have taken place that was recorded would have a proper warning administered before taking such confession due to the ill effects of false confession. An FIR filed by an accused may not have undergone this stage.
3. Self-Incrimination: Thus, the right of every incriminated person not to be self-incriminated is restricted by the filing of an FIR. However, it should be ensured that voluntary statements are not induced or coerced to hold up before this court.
Meaning, an FIR can be filed, but predominantly it will be without evidentiary value. The court would have to look at what circumstances were there under which the FIR was filed, the voluntary nature of the statements, and whether or not procedural safeguards were followed.
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