What is the punishment for making a false whistle-blower disclosure?

Under the PERA Force Laws, making a false whistle-blower disclosure is considered a punishable offence. The law clearly states that if any individual knowingly provides false, misleading, or fabricated information in the guise of a whistle-blower report, that person may face imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine, or both. This penalty is imposed to discourage malicious complaints and misuse of the whistle-blower protection mechanism.

The whistle-blower framework under PERA is designed to promote integrity and transparency by protecting those who make truthful and good-faith disclosures. However, when someone deliberately submits false claims to harm others or to gain a reward unjustly, it undermines the purpose of the Act. Therefore, this punishment acts as a deterrent against frivolous or dishonest disclosures, ensuring that the system remains fair and credible.

This legal safeguard balances freedom of reporting with accountability. Genuine whistle-blowers are protected and rewarded, while false informants face legal consequences. Such a structured approach helps maintain trust in the PERA enforcement process and encourages ethical conduct among citizens and officials alike.