The principle that no person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once is constitutionally guaranteed under:

Article 20 of the Constitution gives three protections to persons accused of offences. Article 20(2) lays down the rule against double jeopardy: no person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once. The protection operates where there has been a prosecution before a competent court and a punishment has been inflicted upon a finding of guilt; a second prosecution or punishment for the same offence is then barred. Article 20(1) protects against ex post facto laws, Art 20(3) against compelled self-incrimination, Art 21 guarantees life and personal liberty, and Art 22 deals with protection against arrest and detention, including production before a magistrate within twenty-four hours. The principle that a person cannot be tried and punished twice for the same offence is therefore specifically Art 20(2).