17. Hearing to be in public except in special circumstances.

(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the hearing of proceedings before the Commission shall be in public.

(2) Where the Commission is satisfied that it is desirable to do so by reason of the confidential nature of any offence or matter or for any other reason, the Commission may -

(a) hear the proceedings or any part thereof in private;

(b) give directions as to the persons who may be present thereat;

(c) Prohibit or restrict the publication of evidence given before the Commission (whether in public or in private) or of matters contained in documents filed before the Commission.