Protection of witnesses

Protection of witnesses

1. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the proceedings under this Act may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, be held in camera if the Special Court so desires.
2. (2) A Special Court may, on an application made by a witness, in any proceedings before it or by the Public Prosecutor in relation to such witness or on its own motion, take such measures as it deems fit for keeping the identity and address of the witness secret.
3. (3) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (2), the measures which a Special Court may take under that sub-section may include,—
   • (a) the holding of the proceedings at a protected place;
   • (b) the avoiding of the mention of the names and addresses of the witnesses in its orders or judgments or in any records of the case accessible to public;
   • (c) the issuing of any directions for securing that the identity and addresses of the witnesses are not disclosed;
   • (d) a decision that it is in the public interest to order that all or any of the proceedings pending before such a court shall not be published in any manner.
4. (4) Any person who contravenes any direction issued under sub-section
5. (3) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.