Indian Polity • ConstitutionMedium
Under Article 20 of the Indian Constitution, protection is granted against ex-post-facto laws. What does this specific safeguard entail?
A. A person can be punished twice for the same offense in a single proceeding.
B. A person can be compelled to give witness against themselves in a criminal court.
C. 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 charged.✓ Correct Answer
D. An accused person can be subjected to retroactive penalties harsher than those applicable when the crime was committed.
💡 Solution & Explanation
Article 20 clause one protects individuals by prohibiting ex-post-facto laws, meaning no person can be convicted of an offense under a law enacted after the act was committed, nor can a penalty heavier than that applicable at the time be imposed. The second clause prohibits double jeopardy, and the third prohibits self-incrimination. Article 20 remains enforceable even during a National Emergency under Article 359.
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