What does Article 20 state regarding penalties?

• A. No person shall be punished for the same offense more than once
• B. Any person has the right to appeal against a conviction
• C. All penalties must be defined by law
• D. No one shall be imprisoned without trial

Answer: (A)

Article 20 of the Indian Constitution provides important safeguards regarding penalties and legal proceedings. Specifically, the provision states that no person shall be punished for the same offense more than once, which is known as 'double jeopardy.' This clause is fundamental in ensuring that an individual is not subjected to repeated trials and punishments for the same crime, thereby protecting individuals from the abuse of legal proceedings and ensuring fair treatment under the law. It reflects the principle that an accused cannot be subjected to multiple punishments for a single act, reinforcing the justice system's integrity and the protection of individual rights.

Options that state rights to appeal, define penalties by law, or address imprisonment without trial touch on important legal principles but do not encapsulate the specific protection against double jeopardy provided under Article 20. Each of these legal assurances plays a role in the larger framework of individual rights in the Indian Constitution, but they do not directly explain the intent and focus of Article 20 itself.