Laws Related To Protection Of Witness And Whistleblowers: A Study In Indian Perspective
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Vedahi Rana, B.A.LL.B. (Hons), Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University.
Sachin Kumar, Assistant Professor, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University.
ABSTRACT
In a democratic society, the role of witnesses and whistle-blowers is essential to maintaining accountability, justice, and transparency. But in India, people who come forward to testify in court or reveal wrongdoing and corruption frequently face serious risks to their lives, freedoms, and means of subsistence. This study critically evaluates the current legal frameworks, such as the Whistle Blowers Protection Act of 2014 and the Witness Protection Scheme of 2018, that are designed to protect witnesses and whistle-blowers in the Indian context. Notwithstanding these legal provisions, people are still discouraged from coming forward due to a lack of a cohesive and enforceable statutory regime, poor implementation, and a lack of institutional support. The study compares India's framework with global best practices and identifies several important issues, including administrative inertia, a lack of anonymity protections, and low public awareness. In order to guarantee the safety, dignity, and empowerment of those who fearlessly defend the rule of law, it ends by suggesting extensive legislative reforms, efficient enforcement strategies, and awareness campaigns.
Keywords: Witness Protection, Whistle-blower Laws, Criminal Justice System, Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, Judicial Reforms, Legal Safeguards, Transparency and Accountability, Corruption Exposure, Law Enforcement in India.
