(1)Any public official or any member of the public in possession of or having knowledge / information of any public authority indulging in corrupt practices shall be encouraged to send the said knowledge / information in his possession in confidence to the Lokayukta and it shall be incumbent upon the Lokayukta, if satisfied to order an inquiry into such information or knowledge by himself or by his agency or order for investigation under provision of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.(2)It shall be incumbent upon the Lokayukta to keep the identity of the whistleblower confidential, where the Whistleblower so desires and / or also provide full protection to whistle blower from any physical harm or any administrative harassment.(3)Where protection in any form is to be given to the Whistleblower, the Lokayukta shall be competent to give appropriate direction to any security agency / agencies or any other authority or authorities as the Lokayukta may deem fit and proper. The above direction of the Lokayukta shall be binding on such agency / agencies or authority / authorities.(4)(a)In any case the Lokayukta shall pass the order under this section expeditiously and within a month of receipt of complaint.(b)The Lokayukta on satisfaction on physical victimization of Whistleblower threatened or anticipated shall be at liberty to take immediate appropriate action as may be deemed fit and proper.(5)The investigations in complaints by Whistleblowers facing physical or professional victimization shall be disposed of expeditiously preferably within three months or receipt of the same.
