THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, 1898
(V OF 1898)
[22nd March, 1898]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law
relating to the Criminal Procedure
352. Courts to be open. [1][(1)] The place in which any Criminal Court is held
for the purpose of inquiring into or trying any offence shall be deemed an open
Court, to which the public generally may have access, so far as the same can
conveniently contain them:
Provided that the Presiding Judge or
Magistrate may, if he thinks fit, order at any stage of any inquiry into, or
trial of, any particular case, that the public generally, or any particular
person, shall not have access to, or be or remain in the room or building used
by the Court.
[2][(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in
sub-section (1), the trial of offences under Sections 354-A, 376, 376-A, 377
and 377-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860) shall be conducted
in camera:
Provided that the Presiding Officer, if he
thinks fit, or on an application made by either of the parties, allow any
particular person to have access to, or be or remain in, the Court.
(3) Where any proceedings are held under
sub-section (2), the Government may adopt appropriate measures, including
holding of the trial through video link or usage of screens, for protection of
the victim and the witnesses.
(4) When
any proceedings are held under sub-section (2), it shall not be lawful any
person to print or publish or broadcast any matter in relation to any such
proceedings, except with permission of the Court.]