New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has dispatched notices to the Delhi Police, the Union Health Ministry, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), demanding an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks regarding allegations of harassment faced by whistleblowers in a case associated with an internal recruitment investigation.

Taking cognizance under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, a bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo noted that the allegations potentially highlight violations of human rights and fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, expression, and the right to dignity and privacy.

The complaints indicate that the whistleblowers expressed concerns regarding alleged corruption and irregularities in the recruitment process within FSSAI, including claims that certain individuals secured jobs through fraudulent documentation.

The complainants asserted that they shared the findings of the internal committee report in good faith, without any embellishments or personal accusations. However, they claimed that despite their actions being in the public interest, they suffered disproportionate consequences, including the filing of FIR No. 135/26 at the I.P. Estate Police Station in Central Delhi.

They argued that such actions contravened their fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21 of the Constitution, encompassing their rights to free speech, privacy, and dignity.

Additionally, they alleged that defamatory content was circulated on social media by various accounts aiming to tarnish their reputations, and that confidential information was accessed or leaked from undisclosed sources.

Noting that the allegations raise serious issues regarding human rights violations, the NHRC directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.

The apex human rights body has instructed the CEO of FSSAI to provide a detailed point-wise response addressing various issues, including the circumstances surrounding the filing of the FIR, the nature of defamation allegations, and whether the proper authorization was obtained for the complaint.

Moreover, FSSAI is required to submit details of any internal inquiry report and clarify whether the contested material is part of official records and how its disclosure could constitute defamation.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi, has been ordered to ensure the protection of the whistleblowers’ identities and safety in accordance with the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014.

The police have also been tasked with determining if any offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, are applicable if recruitment irregularities are confirmed.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been asked to clarify if any internal inquiry was conducted by FSSAI, actions taken against involved officials, and the legal justification for the FIR related to alleged access to confidential documents.

NHRC has mandated all concerned entities to submit their reports within two weeks for further evaluation of the matter.