Section 18. Restriction on disclosure of information

18. Restriction on disclosure of information.— (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. — — 19. Prevention of entry into prohibited areas. The Central Government may by order prohibit - (a) entry of any person, without obtaining permission, into a prohibited area, and (b) taking by any persons, without permission, of any photograph, sketch, pictures, drawing, map or other document from a prohibited area and any permission, if given to do these things, may be subject to stipulations which the Central Government may consider necessary.