Right to Freedom · Indian Polity

Article 20 provides protection against 'Ex-post facto laws'. What does this concept mean?

  1. No person can be tried twice for the same offence
  2. No person can be compelled to be a witness against themselves
  3. A person cannot be convicted for an act that was not an offence at the time of its commission
  4. Every person has the right to a speedy trial
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A person cannot be convicted for an act that was not an offence at the time of its commission

Ex-post facto law refers to legislation that imposes a penalty retrospectively. Article 20(1) ensures that a person is only punished for violating a law that was in force at the time the act was committed.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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