Shivani Shekhar, Amity University
ABSTRACT
Through if we talk regarding history, there have always been individuals who reveal confidential or sensitive information to others, often at great personal risk. This practice, known as whistleblowing, has ancient roots. The concept was discussed by the Greeks many centuries ago. For instance, Lykourgos, an esteemed Athenian orator, highlighted the necessity of whistleblowers in his speech against Leokratis. He asserted that neither laws nor judges could achieve any meaningful outcomes unless someone stepped forward to expose the malefactors. This underscores the critical role whistleblowers have played in ensuring justice and accountability throughout history. The term "whistleblowing" is believed to have originated by drawing an analogy with referees or umpires in sports. These officials use a whistle to draw public attention to a foul or violation, thereby alerting both the relevant authorities and the general public to the transgression. Similarly, a whistleblower draws attention to wrongdoing within an organization, alerting authorities and the public to issues that might otherwise remain hidden. The act of whistleblowing is a courageous and sometimes perilous endeavour, necessitating robust mechanisms for the protection of those who come forward. This paper endeavours to delve deeply into the concept of whistleblowing, examining the historical and contemporary roles of whistleblowers. It aims to explore the legal and regulatory frameworks that exist to protect whistleblowers, ensuring they can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. The focus will be on understanding the protections afforded to whistleblowers, both in terms of legislation and organizational policies, and evaluating their effectiveness., the paper will analyse the motivations behind whistleblowing and the ethical considerations involved. It will look at case studies of prominent whistleblowers throughout history, assessing the impact of their actions on public policy and corporate governance. Furthermore, the paper will explore the challenges and dilemmas faced by whistleblowers, including the potential for professional ostracism, legal battles, and personal hardship.
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