procedureLatin origin
In Camera
/in KAM-er-ah/
In private — court proceedings conducted with the public and press excluded.
Full Definition
In camera (Latin: 'in the chamber') proceedings are hearings conducted in private. The default is open court; in camera is an exception for cases where publicity would defeat justice or cause harm — most commonly in rape and POCSO trials to protect the survivor's identity.
In Indian Law
Section 327 CrPC (Section 364 BNSS) mandates in camera trials in rape and sexual assault cases. Section 228A IPC punishes disclosure of rape survivor identity. POCSO Act Section 37 requires all POCSO offences to be tried in camera.