The bill was introduced on Monday with a long list of forbidding don’ts which, say activists, are likely to dissuade anyone from blowing the lid off corruption in the government or bureaucracy.
To begin with, whistleblowers – either public servants, non-profit organisations or individuals – will not be allowed to reveal any documents classified under the Official Secrets Act of 1923, even if the purpose is to disclose acts of corruption, misuse of power or criminal activities. This is in addition to any information that could “prejudicially affect the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign State” – information that is already off-limits in the existing Whistleblowers Protection Act.
The proposed amendments allow whistleblowers to disclose some kinds of information only if it has been obtained through a Right To Information query. This includes intellectual property, trade secrets and even information that can be considered the “unwanted invasion of privacy” of an individual.
Whistleblowers would be entitled to official protection only if all of these conditions are met, could face action if they are not, and the central and state governments would be the final authorities with the power to judge each case.
