Review policy to shield whistle-blowers: HC

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court here on Thursday asked the states of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh to review their whistle-blower protection policies.
These directions were given by the division bench, comprising justices M M Kumar and R N Raina. They also asked the governments to consider associating civilians in the process of assessment of threat perception to the whistle blowers that also included RTI activists.
During the resumed hearing of a PIL, filed by RTI activist-cum-advocate H C Arora, the bench noticed that under the current policy, a whistle blower has to approach the district magistrate or police commissioner concerned to seek protection. Thereafter, the police assess the threat perception, within a period of 48 hours, and provides protection if there is a real fear.
The bench also noticed that under the status report submitted by Chandigarh administration, it is stated that a Protection Review Group (PRG) headed by IG police, and comprising mostly the IPS officers and some civilian officers meets regularly and takes measures for providing security depending upon its assessment of threat perception to the applicants concerned.
After perusing status reports, the bench observed, "We are of the considered view that the policies of Punjab, Haryana as well as UT Chandigarh are required to be made broad-based. The committees concerned are not only required to have in it police officers or other officers, there is necessity to associate either members of the bar or other private persons like district attorneys/advocate generals, depending upon the level of the committees concerned."
The next date of hearing is slated for February 27.
Arora said that the court has told the state governments to consider, including social activists and females, in such committees, to avoid misuse of power and for creating requisite checks and balances in operation of the policies.