Justice Hima Kohli bats for proper implementation of Whistleblower Protection Act

Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kohli on Wednesday said that laws protecting whistleblowers like the Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014 should be effectively implemented in the country..She opined that the same will help uncover and address white collar crimes and associated wrongdoings."Whistleblowers serve as a critical line of defence against White-collar Crimes. Encouraging whistleblowing and providing adequate protection to whistleblowers will help uncover and address such malpractices. Legislation, such as the Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014, must be effectively implemented to safeguard those who expose the wrongdoing," she said.The Supreme Court judge was delivering a lecture on the topic 'White-collar Crime in India from a Judicial Perspective' at the “Second Discourse on Judicial Perspective on Economic Offences and Corporate Malfeasance” organised by the Centre for Discourses in Criminal and Constitutional Jurisprudence..Justice Kohli said that white-collar crimes pose a bigger threat as they are invisible. Thus, raising awareness about the same is crucial."White-collar Crime presents a formidable challenge to India's judicial and economic systems, necessitating a nuanced and comprehensive response. Fight against this crime requires a multipronged approach. The judiciary, supported by robust legislative frameworks and dedicated institutional mechanisms, is pivotal in addressing these offences," she opined. She also batted for the use of technology and advanced security mechanisms to tackle such crimes."Ensuring robust cyber security controls to address digital frauds, effective management of third-party risks and compliance culture in Financial Institutions is essential. Digital case management systems can streamline judicial processes, reduce delays and improve efficiency. Continuous training and capacity building for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges are critical for staying ahead of the evolving curve of these crimes. Strengthening these areas can help build a more resilient and transparent legal system that upholds justice and integrity, mitigate the impact of white-collar crime and foster a society where trust and accountability are paramount."