Explanation:

Recent context: Recently in a case the CJI refused to accept information in a 'sealed cover’. • Sealed Cover Jurisprudence is a practice used by the Supreme Court and sometimes lower courts, of asking for or accepting information from government agencies in sealed envelopes that can only be accessed by judges. • While a specific law does not define the doctrine of sealed cover, the Supreme Court derives its power to use it from Rule 7 of Order XIII of the Supreme Court Rules and Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. • Rule 7 of Order XIII of the Supreme Court Rules: According to the rule, if the Chief Justice or court directs certain information to be kept under sealed cover or considers it of confidential nature, no party would be allowed access to the contents of such information, except if the Chief Justice himself orders that the opposite party be allowed to access it. It also mentions that information can be kept confidential if its publication is not considered to be in the interest of the public. • Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act of 1872: Under this act, official unpublished documents relating to state affairs are protected and a public officer cannot be compelled to disclose such documents. • Other instances where information may be sought in secrecy or confidence are when its publication impedes an ongoing investigation, such as details that are part of a police case diary.