Panaji: High Bombay Court in Goa on Monday withdraw the government to hunt whistleblower because it exposes raw waste disposal to the water body in Panaji.
The division bench consisting of Judge Mr Sonak and M Jawalkar asked the government whether his department had “no other work” rather than pursuing cases from 2012 to 2021 against the Whistleblower.
While hearing this case related to dismissal against a vibrant public citizen, the bench asked whether it was the “attitude” of the government to “submit a criminal case” against anyone who showed his mistakes.
The problem is highlighted by whistleblower in “public interest” and must be addressed, the court said.
“If raw waste is being dismissed in a water body, then your entire energy must be focused on treating the problem rather than fighting a nurse staff from IPHB,” said the court.
The bench also stated that it was “shocked” that there was an investigation of alertness to the man, and asked if he was still in service.
“You should welcome something like that,” said the High Court.
“Raw waste is being discarded and instead of hunting down envoys like this, you have to take steps to see that this problem is sorted.” Advocate Ryan Menezes, representing the Whistleblower, told the court that the allegation of it was that he had an illegal photocopy obtained without the knowledge of a chemistry, and not because he has taken the original document from the office.
The original document still has an office, he said.
Public Prosecutor G Nagvenkar said that citizens can expose the government, but add that documents must go through the right authority.
He told the court that on October 18, 2012, the reporter made a presentation before the Minister of Manohar Parragar (who was also MLA from Panaji), and annexed illegal photocopy with representation.
For this, the bench asked if the government was considering documents under the official secret law.
Nagvenkar said a chargesheet had been submitted and frame the accusation was set for August 2, where the bench stated that he was ordered to cancel the shot against him.
‘You have no other job?’: HC Lambasts Govt for Hounding Whistleblower
