Section 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.