(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a paper 
filed in a case under this title and the dockets of a bankruptcy court 
are public records and open to examination by an entity at reasonable 
times without charge.
    (b) On request of a party in interest, the bankruptcy court shall, 
and on the bankruptcy court's own motion, the bankruptcy court may--
        (1) protect an entity with respect to a trade secret or 
    confidential research, development, or commercial information; or
        (2) protect a person with respect to scandalous or defamatory 
    matter contained in a paper filed in a case under this title.

(Pub. L. 95-598, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2556.)


                      Historical and Revision Notes

                        senate report no. 95-989

    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.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 106 of this title.