What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the act of an individual, typically an employee, contractor, or stakeholder, reporting perceived wrongdoing, illegal activity, or unethical conduct within an organisation. In the current 2025 landscape, it is recognised as a vital pillar of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and a key requirement under the Companies Act, 2013. A whistleblower is someone who "sounds the alarm" on activities that threaten the public interest, such as bribery, tax evasion, health and safety violations, or environmental damage. Unlike a personal grievance, whistleblowing must involve a matter of public interest.