In camera
| Literal meaning | In a chamber |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | in KAM-er-ah |
In private, not in open court.
Example
A court hears a sensitive matter in the judge's chamber, so the public is excluded.
Case laws
- Naresh Sridhar Mirajkar v. State of Maharashtra (1966), Supreme Court: the Court held that a High Court has inherent power to hold a hearing in private where the ends of justice need it.
Statutory link
- Section 327 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita): trial of rape cases must be held in camera.
- Section 22 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: proceedings under the Act may be held in camera.
Exam tip
Asked with open court and privacy.
Memory trick
In camera = in a chamber, closed door.
Key takeaway
In camera means a closed hearing, not open to the public.
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