Actor Celina Jaitly moved the Delhi High Court seeking an in-camera hearing in her matter, which was taken up before Justice Sachin Dutta. Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain, appearing on her behalf, relied on provisions of the Delhi High Court Rules as well as Supreme Court judgments to submit that courts are empowered to conduct proceedings in camera, including hearings held through video conferencing.

Drawing attention to Rule 24 of the Video Conferencing Rules, Senior counsel argued that while court proceedings are ordinarily open to the public, the Rules expressly recognise an exception where proceedings are directed to be conducted in camera. It was further contended that the concept of in-camera hearings is also recognised under the Original Side Rules of the Delhi High Court, and that the present request was firmly rooted in this established legal framework.

During the hearing, Justice Sachin Dutta initially sought clarification on the necessity of deviating from the principle of open court proceedings and observed that the sensitivity warranting a closed hearing was not immediately apparent. However, after considering the submissions and the legal provisions relied upon, the Court accepted the request.

Justice Sachin Dutta accordingly allowed the plea for an in-camera hearing and directed that the matter be heard today in chamber.

Appearances:

Petitioner: Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain; Adv Raghav Kacker.