Learn about the three clauses of Article 20 that protect individuals accused of crimes: prohibition of retrospective laws, protection against double jeopardy, and protection against self-incrimination. Explore the scope, exceptions, judicial interpretations, and landmark cases of this fundamental right. The three important safeguards enshrined under Article 20 of the Constitution of India provide constitutional protection against application of any criminal law retrospectively, against a person being convicted again for the same offence and also against being compelled to give evidence that is self-incriminating. Editorial Comment - Article 20 of the Indian Constitution safeguards certain rights in criminal proceedings. It provides protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and retrospective punishment. Article 20 (1) prohibits the imposition of retrospective punishment. Explanation of Article 20 Article 20 grants protection against arbitrary and excessive punishment to an accused person, whether citizen or foreigner or a legal person like a company or a corporation. It contains three provisions in that direction: Article 20 (1): No ex-post-facto law (a)No person shall be convicted of any offense except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act. (b) No person shall be subjected to a penalty greater than that prescribed by the ...
