The Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002
30. 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. A
Special Court, if 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, 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;
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before such a Court shall not be published in any manner.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 one year
and with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.