The High Court has opted to conduct hearings privately in the lawsuit brought by a journalist contesting the Criminal Court’s gag order regarding material released by Adhadhu.

The court did not explain the reason for the proceedings being closed to the public. The hearing is set for Monday morning. The trial was also held in private at the Criminal Court.

The ruling represents a break from the High Court’s standard procedure of broadcasting hearings in cases of considerable public interest. The panel consists of Justices Abdul Rauf Ibrahim, Hussain Mazeed, and Fatimath Farheeza.

The gag order restricts the distribution of any content or story concerning the Adhadhu documentary 'Aisha' and forbids any direct or indirect mention of the narratives it contains. It also prohibits making any remarks about the parties concerned or the victim.

According to Article 42 of the Constitution, all individuals are entitled to a public hearing. Judges can, in specific situations, close proceedings.

Trials are generally conducted in private when the case's nature renders public hearings ethically unsuitable, such as cases related to sexual crimes. Hearings can be closed if maintaining an open trial might jeopardize public order or if classified information concerning national security might be revealed.

In unique situations, instances concerning children's best interests, family issues, or scenarios where public proceedings could jeopardize justice are also held privately.

Procedure for concluding hearings

A party to the case or the prosecution may request that a hearing be conducted in private. Judges might also choose independently to terminate proceedings. In certain situations, only particular sections of the hearing or specific testimonies may be kept confidential.

Even if hearings occur behind closed doors, decisions must be issued in a public session. Courts may keep confidential information in the judgment private, like specifics that reveal the victim's identity.