Section 44:
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 court so desires.
(2) A 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 court may take under that sub-section may include—
(a) the holding of the proceedings at a place to be decided by the court;
(b) the avoiding of the mention of the name and address of the witness 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 witness 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before such a court shall not be published in any manner.
(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 shall also be liable to fine.