§ 281B — Evidence to be given in private in certain cases

281B.—(1) Despite any provision of any other written law but subject to subsection (2), in any case where the accused is charged with a sexual offence or child abuse offence, the court must order that the evidence of a witness be given in private, if —(a)

the witness is the alleged victim of that offence; and

(b)

the witness does not elect to give evidence in an open and public court to which the public generally may have access.[19/2018]

[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a matter or proceeding if —(a)

any other written law requires the matter or proceeding to be heard in private; or[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]

(b)

the court has ordered, under any other written law, that the matter or proceeding be heard in private.[19/2018]

[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]

—(1) Despite any provision of any other written law but subject to subsection (2), in any case where the accused is charged with a sexual offence or child abuse offence, the court must order that the evidence of a witness be given in private, if —(a)

the witness is the alleged victim of that offence; and

(b)

the witness does not elect to give evidence in an open and public court to which the public generally may have access.[19/2018]

[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a matter or proceeding if —(a)

any other written law requires the matter or proceeding to be heard in private; or[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]

(b)

the court has ordered, under any other written law, that the matter or proceeding be heard in private.[19/2018]

[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]