Protection of whistle blowers

(1) Any public official or any other person having information of any corruption in any public authority would be encouraged to send the information confidentially to the Lokayukta; and it shall be the duty of the Lokayukta to get an inquiry made into such information and if necessary get an investigation made under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. (2) Lokayukta may issue necessary orders to provide protection to whistle blowers from any physical harm or administrative harassment. Identity of such whistle blowers shall also be protected if the whistle blower so desires. (3) For achieving this objective it shall be competent for the Lokayukta to give suitable direction to the Government for providing security as well as to any other authority to ensure that no harassment is caused to such whistle blower. (4) Orders under this section shall be passed expeditiously and in any case within fifteen days of receipt of complaint. Immediate action will be taken in cases involving a threat of physical victimization. (5) The investigation in complaints by whistleblowers facing physical or professional victimization shall be fast tracked and completed within three months of receipt of the same.