The place where any criminal Court is held to inquire into or try any offence shall be considered an open Court, accessible to the public generally, to the extent that the space can conveniently accommodate them.
Provided that the presiding Judge or Magistrate may, at any stage of the inquiry or trial of any particular case, order that the public, or any specific individual, shall not have access to, or remain in, the room or building used by the Court.
Notwithstanding Sub-Section (1), the inquiry and trial of rape or offences under Sections 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D, or 376E of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) shall be conducted in camera:
Provided that the presiding Judge may, if deemed appropriate or upon application by either party, permit access for any specific individual to the room or building used by the Court.
Provided further that, as far as practicable, in camera trials should be conducted by a woman Judge or Magistrate.
Where proceedings are conducted under Sub-Section (2), it is unlawful for any person to print or publish any material related to such proceedings, unless with prior permission from the Court.
Provided that the restriction on printing or publication of trial proceedings in relation to a rape offence may be lifted, provided that the confidentiality of the parties' names and addresses is maintained.
