Jo log system ke andar se corruption ya wrongdoing expose karte hain – whistleblowers, RTI activists, investigative citizens – woh public interest serve karte hain. Lekin wo khud retaliation ka easy target ban jate hain. Isliye unke surrounding constitutional protection ka sawal crucial hai.
Free speech aur right to information jaise rights whistleblowing ko moral aur legal backing dete hain. Jab koi documented malpractice, fraud, ya human rights violation ki complaint karta hai, wo sirf personal complainant nahi, democratic watchdog ban jata hai.
Kayi jurisdictions me special whistleblower protection laws aaye hain, jinme:
- Confidentiality of identity,
- Protection against victimisation in job,
- Safe reporting channels,
- Kabhi-kabhi immunity if they reveal information while acting in good faith.
RTI users ke case me danger aur bhi direct ho sakta hai – threats, attacks, character assassination. Courts ne kai baar emphasise kiya hai ki transparency pe kaam karne wale citizens ko State ki taraf se protection milni chahiye, na ki unke against cases.
Phir bhi ground reality harsh hai; legal shield perfect nahi. Isliye activists ke liye strategies – collective action, media visibility, documentation, aur legal support – equally important tools hain. System ke safai karne wale log system ke sabse vulnerable log bhi hote hain; ye paradox law ko continuously challenge karta hai.
