Is whistleblowing legal ?

Whistleblowing is not only legal but also highly desirable not only needing encouragement but also protection as observed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its report on Ethics in Governance Relevant extract from the report is given here. GOI has accepted (See Sl No. 46) these recommendations of the ARC. The Union Cabinet has also cleared the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010 but details of the Draft Bill are not made available on the internet.

Further what is said against corruption also makes it clear that every government Servant should strive to give corrupt free services. Government servants are demanded by their Service Rules to show absolute Integrity at all times and also to act in such a manner that those working under them also work with absolute integrity at all times. This clearly indicates that all Government servants are expected to show zero tolerance to corruption by anyone and anywhere. This is what makes whistleblowing legal. An extract of the relevant portion from the AIS Conduct Rules is given below:

3. General.- 3(1) Every member of the Service shall at all times maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and shall do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the Service.
 3.(2) Every member of the Service shall take all possible steps to ensure integrity of, and devotion to duty by, all Government servants for the time being under his control and authority.

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