In his ruling, Alabama federal Judge Myron Thompson almost seemed apologetic, but cited technicalities in Alabama state law that hurt Palmer's case against the Bangalore, India-based outsourcing firm,.

Palmer, a federal whistleblower, alleged that Infosys illegally used foreign workers on client projects.

In his lawsuit, Palmer claimed he was harassed at work, sidelined and even received death threats for refusing to participate in an alleged Infosys scheme to use workers on business visitor, or B-1 visas, for tasks that required an H-1B work visa.

In today's ruling, Thompson said that some of claims brought by Palmer against Infosys aren't covered by a state law.

"Without question, the alleged electronic and telephonic threats are deeply troubling," wrote Thompson. "Indeed, an argument could be made that such threats against whistleblowers, in particular, should be illegal."