Whistle Blowers Protection Act,2011: Well Begun but Only Half Done

Abstract

Corruption is a contagion ripping India’s foundation and affecting its economic well-being. India’s recent history is full of numerous cases of victimisation including those of murders of honest and upright public servants who dared to make disclosures about corrupt practices or offences. A law seeking to protect such ‘whistle blowers’ is need of the hour. Espousal of a whistle blower protection law had been under the active consideration of Indian government for several years. Finally, a legal framework with an objective to protect persons making a disclosure about wrong doings in state agencies has come into existence in the form of an act called Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011. The present article discusses key aspects of Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011 and compares the said act with the recommendations of Law Commission and Administrative Reforms Commission. The article deals with the inherent shortcomings in the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011 and argues for certain important amendments, needed to be made, to make this act stronger.