Section 2(5) of the Public-interest Information Disclosure Act (Provide Protection), 2011, provides that “whistleblower” means the person who discloses the public interest information to a competent authority, Section 4 of the aforesaid Act contemplates that any whistleblower can make public interest disclosure, if considered reasonable, to a competent authority and Section 5(1) of the aforesaid Act indicates that if any whistleblower discloses any authentic information under sub-section (1) of Section 4, his identity cannot be divulged without his consent.” ...The State Vs. ACC and ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 40 ....View Full Judgment

Protection of publisher/news agency:
A reference to Section 2(4) of the Public-interest Information Disclosure Act (Provide Protection), 2011 and Rules, 2017 provide for protection of publisher/news agency of information of public interest relating to a) irregular and unauthorized use of public money; b) mismanagement of public resources; c) misappropriation or misuse of public money or resources; d) abuse of power or maladministration; e) committing criminal offense or illegal or prohibited acts; f) a conduct that is harmful or dangerous for public health, safety or to the environment; or; g) corruption. ...The State Vs. ACC and ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 40 ....View Full Judgment

So, under the above facts and circumstances and the propositions of law, we have no hesitation to hold the view that the laws have given protection to the journalists in not disclosing the source of information. ...The State Vs. ACC and ors, (Civil), 17 SCOB [2023] HCD 40 ....View Full Judgment