The Study on the Reluctance of Lawyers towards the Role of Whistle-Blower in Indian Corporate Sector

Abstract

Empirical investigations and judicial observations have made it clear that there is a high need for the involvement of lawyers towards the role of whistleblowing in India so as to curb the offences that arise in the corporate sector. Further investigations on this regard highlights that there is an ambiguity in respect of the reluctance of lawyers towards the role of whistleblowing there causing an impending factor in effectiveness of curbing corporate offences. This ambiguity could be confirmed through statistical analysis in the present study. Thus, this study is carried out with an aim to find out the Reluctance of Lawyers Towards the Role of Whistle-Blower in the Indian Corporate Sector. With the help of 300 samples collected through cluster sampling method which involves lawyers from India, clustered on the basis of their field of expertise and area of practice, it was found out the major factor that impedes lawyers from taking up the role of a whistle-blower is lack of interest in corporate governance and public interest, the study also highlights that that a women lawyers have certain interest over corporate governance when compared to male population, but still are reluctant towards the role of whistleblowers considering the fact that there are no protection or support for the lawyers who have an interest towards corporate governance be reluctant to the role of whistleblowers. It is evident that reluctance of lawyers towards the role of a whistleblower is due to both personal and professional factors. Therefore, the study recommends that the teaching institutions including the Bar council of India must implement an inclusive and an exhaustive training for law students and the Corporate entities including advocates on corporate social responsibility and importance of informing the corporate frauds. The legislators must ensure that is proper protection for internal whistleblowers in their organization.