Subsection (a) of this section makes all papers filed in a bankruptcy case and the dockets of the bankruptcy court public and open to examination at reasonable times without charge. “Docket” includes the claims docket, the proceedings docket, and all papers filed in a case.

Subsection (b) permits the court, on its own motion, and requires the court, on the request of a party in interest, to protect trade secrets, confidential research, development, or commercial information, and to protect persons against scandalous or defamatory matter.

2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–8, § 234(c), which directed the substitution of “subsections (b) and (c),” for “subsection (b),” was executed by substituting “subsections (b) and (c)” for “subsection (b)”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 109–8, § 233(c), inserted “and subject to section 112” after “section”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–8, § 234(a), added subsec. (c).

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–8 effective 180 days after Apr. 20, 2005, and not applicable with respect to cases commenced under this title before such effective date, except as otherwise provided, see section 1501 of Pub. L. 109–8, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.