Restriction on disclosure of information
Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 deals with restriction on disclosure of information. The Central Government may by order restrict the disclosure of information, whether contained in a document, drawing, photograph, plan, model, or in any other form whatsoever, which relates to, represents or illustrates-- (a) an existing or proposed plant used or proposed to be used for the purpose The Act came into force on 21 Sep 1962.
(1) The Central Government may by order restrict the disclosure of information, whether contained in a document, drawing, photograph, plan, model, or in any other form whatsoever, which relates to, represents or illustrates--
(a) an existing or proposed plant used or proposed to be used for the purpose of producing, developing or using atomic energy, or
(b) the purpose or method of operation of any such existing or proposed plant, or
(c) any process operated or proposed to be operated in any such existing or proposed plant.
(2) No person shall--
(a) disclose, or obtain or attempt to obtain any information restricted under sub-section (1), or
(b) disclose, without the authority of the Central Government, any information obtained in the discharge of any functions under this Act or in the performance of his official duties.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply--
(i) to the disclosure of information with respect to any plant of a type in use for purposes other than the production, development or use of atomic energy, unless the information disclose that plant of that type is used or proposed to be used for the production, development or use of atomic energy or research into any matters connected therewith; or
(ii) where any information has been made available to the general public otherwise than in contravention of this section, to any subsequent disclosure of that information.
Section 18, The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (Act 33 of 1962).
Cross-references
Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.
Referred to by 2
Judgments citing this section
These may be obiter dicta or a precedent, for you to study. These are the judgments where this section is quoted.
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… In fact in State of Maharashtra Vs. Dr. Budhikota Subbarao21 it is categorically observed referring to the Code and requirement of sanction to prosecute a public servant under Section 197 Cr.P.C., to prosecute for the offence under <sup>21 1993 (3)</sup> SCC 339 Sections 24, 18 & 19 of Atomic Energy Act 1962 saying sanction is mandatory to take cognizance by the Court for the alleged offence under the Act are in discharge of official duty and from the non-compliance with the requirement of Section 197 Cr.P.C. to take cognizance, the order of discharge of accused passed by the High Court …
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… In fact in State of Maharashtra Vs. Dr. Budhikota Subbarao21 it is categorically observed referring to the Code and requirement of sanction to prosecute a public servant under Section 197 Cr.P.C., to prosecute for the offence under <sup>21 1993 (3)</sup> SCC 339 Sections 24, 18 & 19 of Atomic Energy Act 1962 saying sanction is mandatory to take cognizance by the Court for the alleged offence under the Act are in discharge of official duty and from the non-compliance with the requirement of Section 197 Cr.P.C. to take cognizance, the order of discharge of accused passed by the High Court …
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… In fact in State of Maharashtra Vs. Dr. Budhikota Subbarao21 it is categorically observed referring to the Code and requirement of sanction to prosecute a public servant under Section 197 Cr.P.C., to prosecute for the offence under <sup>21 1993 (3)</sup> SCC 339 Sections 24, 18 & 19 of Atomic Energy Act 1962 saying sanction is mandatory to take cognizance by the Court for the alleged offence under the Act are in discharge of official duty and from the non-compliance with the requirement of Section 197 Cr.P.C. to take cognizance, the order of discharge of accused passed by the High Court …
Questions about Section 18
What does Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act deal with?
Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act is headed "Restriction on disclosure of information". The Central Government may by order restrict the disclosure of information, whether contained in a document, drawing, photograph, plan, model, or in any other form whatsoever, which relates to, represents or illustrates-- (a) an existing or proposed plant used or proposed to be used for the purpose
How do I find court cases under Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Atomic Energy Act 1962 18, section 18 Atomic Energy Act 1962, section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
What should I read with Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act, and has it changed?
2 other provisions in this corpus refer back to it.
When did Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act come into force?
Section 18 of the Atomic Energy Act, cited as Atomic Energy Act 1962 18, came into force on 21 Sep 1962, having been enacted on 15 Sep 1962. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 14. Control over production and use of atomic energy695 words
- 11. Compulsory acquisition of prescribed substances, minerals and plants612 words
- 30. Power to make rules474 words
- 3. General powers of the Central Government459 words
- 2. Definitions and interpretation457 words
- 10. Compulsory acquisition of rights to work minerals434 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 16 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.