The National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
17. Protection of
witnesses. -
1.
Notwithstanding
anything contained in the Code, the proceedings under this Act may, for reasons
to be recorded in writing, be held in camera if the Special Court so desires.
2.
On
an application made by a witness in any proceeding before it or by the Public
Prosecutor in relation to such witness or on its own motion, if the Special
Court is satisfied that the life of such witness is in danger, it may, for
reasons to be recorded in writing, take such measures as it deems fit for
keeping the identity and address of such witness secret.
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 place to be decided by the Special Court;
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 address of the witnesses are not
disclosed; and
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before such a Court shall not be published in any manner.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Any
person who contravenes any decision or direction issued under sub-section (3)
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years and with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.