31Protection applications to be heard in closed court unless otherwise ordered

31 Protection applications to be heard in closed court unless otherwise ordered (1) Unless the Supreme Court orders otherwise, a protection application must be heard in closed court. (2) The Supreme Court may make an order under subsection (1) if it considers it appropriate to do so. (3) If the protection application is heard in closed court, the only persons who may be present at the hearing are— (a) the authorised police officer who made the protection application; and (b) any lawyers representing that authorised police officer; and (c) a special counsel appointed under section 32; and (d) any witnesses who may be called to give evidence; and (e) the presiding judge and any court staff necessary for the hearing; and (f) the Public Interest Monitor. (4) The authorised police officer who made the protection application may withdraw the application if the Supreme Court makes an order under subsection (1). S. 31A inserted by No. 47/2021 s. 13.