Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kohli emphasized on Wednesday the need for effective implementation of laws protecting whistleblowers, such as the Whistleblowers Protection Act of 2014.
She asserted that proper enforcement of such laws is crucial for uncovering and addressing white-collar crimes and related misconduct.
“Whistleblowers serve as a critical line of defense 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 wrongdoing,” she stated.
Justice Kohli made these remarks while delivering a lecture on ‘White-collar Crime in India from a Judicial Perspective’ at the “Second Discourse on Judicial Perspective on Economic Offences and Corporate Malfeasance” organized by the Centre for Discourses in Criminal and Constitutional Jurisprudence.
She highlighted that white-collar crimes pose a significant threat due to their often invisible nature, making awareness crucial.
“White-collar crime presents a formidable challenge to India’s judicial and economic systems, necessitating a nuanced and comprehensive response. The fight against this crime requires a multipronged approach. The judiciary, supported by robust legislative frameworks and dedicated institutional mechanisms, is pivotal in addressing these offenses,” she opined.
Justice Kohli also advocated for the use of technology and advanced security measures to combat such crimes.
“Ensuring robust cybersecurity controls to address digital frauds, effective management of third-party risks, and a 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, mitigates the impact of white-collar crime, and fosters a society where trust and accountability are paramount.”
