NHRC Orders Whistleblower Protection, Demands Two-Week Report in FSSAI Hiring Dispute

Overview

• The National Human Rights Commission issued notices to the Health Ministry, FSSAI and Delhi Police and sought an action taken report within two weeks following a complaint that whistleblowers were targeted.
• The bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo said the claims suggest possible violations of free speech, dignity and privacy and ordered protection of the complainants under the Whistle Blowers Protection Act.
• The commission asked the FSSAI CEO for the internal inquiry file and a point-by-point reply on the FIR, alleged defamation and alleged theft of confidential records, and told police to test any proven irregularities under the new penal code and the anti-corruption law.
• The complainants said they shared a portion of an internal FSSAI report in good faith without changes and allege disproportionate action that includes FIR No. 135/26 and smear posts on social media.
• Delhi Police said it is probing unauthorised sharing of possibly tampered FSSAI documents and preserving digital evidence, while FSSAI sources said the FIR targets unnamed leakers and that a 2025 suo motu probe into 2021 appointments is still pending.