Section 33 of SMA : Section 33: Proceedings To Be In Camera And May Not Be Printed Or Published

Explanation using Example

Imagine a couple, John and Priya, who decide to get married under The Special Marriage Act, 1954. They file an application for their marriage at the local marriage registrar's office. During the process, they must attend a few proceedings related to their marriage registration.

As per Section 33 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, these proceedings are conducted in private, meaning that they are not open to the public. This is to ensure the couple's privacy is respected. The media or any other third party is not allowed to report on what happens during these proceedings, including any statements made or evidence presented, unless they obtain permission from the High Court or the Supreme Court to publish the judgment.

For example, if a local newspaper hears about John and Priya's unique intercultural marriage and wishes to report on the proceedings, they would be prohibited from doing so without the appropriate court's permission. If the newspaper ignores this law and publishes details of the private proceedings, they could be fined up to one thousand rupees according to the law.