https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=272777 Section 14 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 was construed as an enabling provision permitting in-camera proceedings to protect State security, not as a non obstante clause overriding criminal procedure. The Court held that its opening words do not bar the accused from receiving copies of witness statements or documents needed for defence, because such a restrictive reading would impair fair procedure and constitutional reasonableness. Counsel's refusal to produce a notebook containing privileged instructions was protected by privilege, while any improper disclosure outside court remained punishable under the Act. The High Court's contrary interpretation was rejected. en-us Thu, 15 Jan 1981 00:00:00 +0530 Thu, 17 May 2018 15:13:11 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=272777 Section 14 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 was construed as an enabling provision permitting in-camera proceedings to protect State security, not as a non obstante clause overriding criminal procedure. The Court held that its opening words do not bar the accused from receiving copies of witness statements or documents needed for defence, because such a restrictive reading would impair fair procedure and constitutional reasonableness. Counsel's refusal to produce a notebook containing privileged instructions was protected by privilege, while any improper disclosure outside court remained punishable under the Act. The High Court's contrary interpretation was rejected. Case-Laws Indian Laws Thu, 15 Jan 1981 00:00:00 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=272777