Indian Divorce Act 1869

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 many Bollywood flicks, we have seen portions from courtroom drama where a woman is falsely implicated and established as ‘mentally unsound’ in a court of law. Those scenes where a woman is ruthlessly grilled with very confusing questions are not limited to reel life. At times, it happens in real life too. There is a good reason why this happens. A sound mental condition is a pre-requisite for a valid marriage under Indian laws.