In Camera Proceedings in Matrimonial Cases

Legal proceedings that are held privately are referred to as 'in camera proceedings.'

Why Do We Have In Camera Proceedings?

In certain cases such as rape or sodomy cases, the details of a case may be so unpleasant that a judge may seek removal of women and children from being present to hear the case.  When a case is conducted through in camera proceedings, it is not permissible to publish a report on it and if that is done, it can result in contempt of Court.

The court must be convinced that securing justice is doubtful without in camera proceedings as administering justice is the court's most important function and anything that obstructs this function must be addressed at once and without any delay whatsoever.

In Camera Proceedings and Indian Laws

In India, the provision for in camera proceedings is given in section 11 of the Family Courts Act 1984 so that there is no ambiguity to prevent the parties from seeking this in court. Rule 2 of Order XXXII-A of the Civil Procedure Code also allows for proceedings to be held in camera.

Further,  Section 45 of the Indian Divorce Act 1869 applies all the proceedings of the Civil Procedure Code to apply to proceedings held under this Act.