We need to protect whistleblowers

Context:

Recent incidences of killings of RTI activists have threatened the ideals of democracy, which is not confined to any particular state but rather becoming a global phenomenon.

What do the killings of whistleblowers indicate?

• Demeaning the voice of the democracy: The killing of journalists who had been seeking information from the state directly indicates a failed structure of democratic ideals, demeaning the voice of the people.
• Violation of Fundamental rights: The right to Information is an inherent right under Article 19(1)(a),i.e., the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression. Curbing the right to get legitimate information is a violation of freedom of speech and expression.
• A barrier to people’s participation: People seeking information from the state, is a modus operandi of people’s participation. Retaining people away from the information possess a barrier to people’s participation.