Question

Assertion :An accused person cannot be forced to give his thumb impression. Reason: An accused person cannot be compelled to be a witness against himself.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

Answer 1

The correct option is D Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

A is false but R is true.
Clause $\left(3\right)$ of Article $20\left[i\right]$ of the Indian Constitution, $1950$ provides that "No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself," This principle is espoused on the maxim "nemo teneteur prodre accussare seipsum", which essentially means "NO MAN IS BOUND OF ACCUSE HIM".
However, there is exceptions to this provision. It follows that giving thumb impressions, or impression of foot or palm of fingers or specimens of writings or exposing body for the purpose of identification are not covered by the expression 'to be a witness' under Article $20\left(3\right)$.