Case study 1: Call of Duty versus Human Value

You are a traffic constable and while on duty you see 3 people riding a
motorcycle without a helmet and jumping the red signal. On stopping them,
you came to know that one of them met with an accident due to potholes and
is severely bleeding and due to non-arrival of ambulance they are taking him
to the hospital. On further enquiry, you came to know that the driver does not
have a driving license and works as day wager. While on his way to work, he
found the man lying injured on the road and in a rush to take him to hospital,
he left his helmet on the site of an accident. The driver expresses his financial
inability to pay increased fines. Recently, due to the enforcement of new
Motor Vehicles Act, you are under severe pressure from your seniors for
strict enforcement.

1. What are the ethical issues involved and the options available to you in such a
situation.
2. Also suggest a course of action you would like to follow. (250 words)

Solution
The given case study requires us to ethically judge the action of a poor person, who
violated the law by riding motorcycle without helmet and jumped the traffic signal
to save the life of an injured person. The traffic constable faces a dilemma of
whether to take a strict action on the motorcycle driver and fine him or not.

Ethical issues involved are:

 Voluntary action or not: Since the person wanted to save the life
of the accident victim, and was in a compulsion to take him to the
hospital as early as possible, his action might be circumstantial. He
might not be a regular offender.
 Incorrect means for good ends: It is to be judged whether the
‘means’ adopted by violating the law are justified for correct ‘end’
which is to save the life of an injured person.

o This aspect can be seen in terms of Legality v/s

morality of action: It is to be judged whether his
intention to ensure social justice is prior to
implementation of law. Saving the life of an innocent
person is above the law. Also, the intent of Motor
Vehicle Act is to save lives.
  Priority to duty or the life of injured: Since the duty of traffic
constable is to ensure traffic rules, and follow a superior's orders,
he needs to have emotional intelligence to judge whether his duty
is supreme or life of an injured.
 Proportionality of fine: It needs to be judged whether collecting
hefty fine from the poor is viable or not. The law itself seems to be
harsh for the poor.
Following options are available for the traffic constable:

 Making him liable to pay the fine: This would ensure strict
enforcement of law and allowing him to adhere to his duty as a
constable. It would even deter others from violating the law.

o However, making him liable to pay the fine will be

against the morale of good Samaritans like him, facing
a similar situation in the future.
 Allowing them to leave without any action against them: It
would ensure that the accident victim reaches the hospital on time.
Collection of fine is secondary to saving life of the injured.

o However, there are chances that they may injure

someone else on the road due to their improper driving.
o This may encourage him not to apply for a license in
the future as well.
 Making some quick alternate arrangements for taking the victim
to the hospital: Alternative arrangements like ambulance or Dial
100 police car with suitable facility should be looked for. The
person riding the motorcycle can then be counseled for violating
the law.
Thus, option (3) seems to be the correct way to deal with the situation. The
constable should take rational decision.

Following is the course of action the constable should follow:

 Knowing and understanding the facts: Chances are that they

may be lying to avoid paying the hefty fine or the accident may be
caused by them only. Thus, quick analysis of facts and severity of
injury of the victim needs to be analyzed.
  Priority should be to make the accident victim reach hospital on
time. If the hospital is very near, they may be allowed to leave
only as an exceptional instance. But if hospital if far away,
alternative arrangement like ambulance or Dial100 police car
should be made. This would ensure safety to the victim and others
as well.
 Strict warning should be given to him not to violate the law.
His socio-economic condition and the cause for selfless
service should be taken into consideration before taking any
action against him. Thus, he may be allowed to leave after giving
strict warning since even though law has not been followed
but public cause has been followed. Service of the people is
supreme.
Here it is to be noted that, since he owns the motorcycle and had left the helmet at
the accident spot, means he travels by his motorcycle on a daily basis without
having any license. He must be counseled to ensure that he applies for a license as
soon as possible. He must realize that even his actions could be detrimental to not
only his life but others also. Lawlessness should not become a norm.

Also, mere collection of fine is not the purpose of the law, rather the intent is to
make people cautious about the safety and security of life of themselves and others.

Another important aspect is the failure of governance by non-availability of

ambulance which compels people to adopt such unsafe means for taking the
victims to the hospital. State should ensure timely availability of medical help to
victims to ensure social justice.

Case Study - 2: Personal relation v/s Public duty

You are a Municipal Corporation Commissioner of your city which is under

heavy rainfall over the last few days. The boundary wall of one of the housing
society collapses. The incident took place at midnight, leading to the death of
12 workers, including two children, sleeping in the shade beside the wall.

On the preliminary inquiry, it has been found that inspite of inappropriate

soil conditions, the permission to construct wall was given by previous
Municipal Commissioner, who happens to be your close friend. Also,
irregularities in construction material have been found and the other officials
in the department are trying to influence or manipulate you. The whole
scenario seems like a nexus between the officials of the municipal department
and builder. However, the builder is a close relative of one of the most
powerful leaders of the party in power and is trying to threaten you.

(A) What are the ethical issues involved and the options available to you in
such a situation?

(B) Also, suggest a course of action you would like to follow.

Solution
Case and Facts
 Loss of human lives due to wall collapse.
 Quality of construction material not ensured and checked by
officials involved.
 The permitting officer (previous Municipal Commissioner) is my
close friend.
 Pressure from colleagues and political party in power.
Stakeholders Involved
 The victims
 Previous Municipal Commissioner
 Colleagues
 Self
 Builder
Issues Involved
 Neglect of human dignity, no regard to the lives of poor people.
 Personal v/s professional relations: It would be difficult to
investigate a close friend.
 Political pressure v/s carrying out one’s duty to take action
against the builder.
Options available are
 Initiating disciplinary action as well as proper criminal
proceedings against the wrongdoers.
 o This will ensure justice as well as an opportunity for
fair procedure in a court of law.
o However, it would be challenging and detrimental for
personal growth in the bureaucracy in the long run.
 Allowing matter to calm down and letting police to investigate the
case.

o This would maintain good relations with the department

members as well as the previous Commissioner, while
simultaneously adhering to the wishes of political party
leader.
o However, this would create dissonance and affect
mental peace as the conscience would not allow loss of
justice to the victims.
Course of Action
 Providing immediate medical support and compensation to the
victims should be the utmost priority.
 Analysing the evidence of corruption, cross checking and
verifying them.

o This will help to avoid any false or mistaken

allegations.
 Following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of
disciplinary action and report it to the concerned higher authority.

o Dissociating self from the investigation as friendship

with previous Commissioner might influence the
proceedings and create a conflict of interest.
o This would help avoid conflict of interest; ensure
integrity, transparency and good governance.
o This would also help in breaking the nexus between the
builder and the department members creating
a deterrence effect.
 Initiate legal proceedings against the builder along with corrupt
members of the department and not letting the political pressure
affect the following SOPs.
  Finally, taking long term steps to reform the administration to
avoid such instances in the future.

o As the head of the organization, one must

be answerable and accountable to ensure
transparency in future construction contracts.
o Social audits must be encouraged for effective
governance.
Conclusion
The decision in such cases should not be based on friendly relations with
colleagues. Probity and integrity should guide the decision in this case. The
Municipal Commissioner must show courage of conviction, leadership and
fortitude. The situation demands ethical neutrality of Max Weber so that
personal relation is kept aside and civil service values are adhered.

Respect for human life is much above friendship and avarice for bureaucratic
gains. As quoted by John Rawls in his theory of Justice, “Rights secured by justice
are not subject to political bargaining or calculus of social interests.” Thus,
ensuring social justice should be the prime responsibility of the Municipal
Commissioner.

Case Study - 3: Corruption nexus versus Call of duty

You are District Magistrate of a flood-prone district. The flood control

department has allocated forty crore rupees for building embankments in the
low lying area of the river bed. There have been various complaints from
locals over the delay in project completion, violations of rules and misuse of
funds by the nexus of politicians and contractors.

During monsoon, the embankment construction couldn’t withstand a single

season of flooding. This has led to the submergence of many villages in
floodwater and thousands of people are trapped in the villages. The villages
are completely cut off and there is a scarcity of food and drinking water. Due
to water stagnation, there is also a risk of epidemic spread in the region.

There is huge discontent and protest over the allegation of corruption against
the local politician. As he is a popular face of ruling political party in the state,
there is severe pressure from political heads to cover the corruption issue.
Defying the orders of political bosses will bring wrath towards you and may
also lead to transfer.
 1. As a District Magistrate what will be your course of action to manage the
situation in the district. (200 words)
2. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis involved in the issue. Based on your
understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (200 Words)

Solution

Facts of the case Stakeholders involved Values

 Floods due to  Villagers  Leadership

failure of recently  Courage
 Contractor
constructed  Fortitude
embankment.  Politician
 Compassion
 Severe condition of  Self
 Accountability
people trapped in (District
Magistrate)  Honesty
the submerged
villages.  Trust

 Protest over
allegations of
corruption.
 Political pressure to
cover up the issue.

Course of action
Course of action

Step Reason

1. Initiate a rescue  Preventing loss of lives should be

operation and ensuring of utmost priority.
the availability of food,
medicines and drinking  Children and women are the
water. worst sufferers of any such
disaster. They need to be
immediately rescued.
  District Magistrate must have
responsibility to ensure supply of
all essential materials.

2. Assessing the severity  State Disaster Response Force

of the situation and (SDRF)/National Disaster
reaching out to disaster
response forces. Response Force (NDRF) have
appropriate experience of
handling flood situations.

3. Persuading locals not to  Making the locals understand

protest and cooperate that immediate need is to rescue
with government
officials. the stranded people.
 Local youth can help in locating
stranded people.
 They can even help in calming
down others with no confidence
on government due to corruption
allegations.

4. Forming a Special  Knowing and understanding of

Investigation Team the facts would help in pursuing
(SIT) to look into
charges of corruption. the case further.
 SIT report can be used in
subverting any political pressure.

5. Taking strict action  People involved must be

against wrongdoers. identified and held accountable
for failure of the embankment.

6. Flood prevention,  Since the area is in the flood-

mitigation and prone region, it is the
adaptation.
administration's duty to make it
safer for the people.
Dimensions of the crisis
Ethical dimensions:

 Denial of justice: Lives of people get completely devastated by

the loss of their homes and livelihood due to floods. No monetary
amount can compensate for the sorrow and grief of their loss.
 Lack of compassion and respect for human lives: The urge for
monetary benefits and profit motives becomes so huge that a
person (contractor/politician) can put lives of millions at risk by
indulging in petty corruption.
 Loss of faith in leaders: People elect their leaders so that they can
become their voice and address their grievances. Nexus between
people’s representatives and contractors render people helpless.
Legal dimensions:

 Corruption: Allegations of corruption and putting pressure on the

District Magistrate is complete dereliction of duty by political
leaders.
 Governance failure: It is not just a failure of government to take
timely measures in preventing a disaster in flood prone area but
also a failure of civil society which could not initiate timely
actions despite having knowledge of the delay in project
completion, violations of rules and misuse of funds.
 Politicization of bureaucracy: The District Magistrate facing
political pressure expecting him to cover up the issue indicates a
defunct culture of quid pro quo in the country’s governance
system.
Measures to deal with the crisis
 The District Magistrate must show spirit of
service and conviction to ensure justice to the people. He must
work tirelessly for their rescue and rehabilitation and ensuring that
strict action is taken against the culprits.
 Ensuring legal justice by ensuring that those guilty must be
punished. Contractor and politicians involved must face trial in a
court of law.
 Taking confidence building measures to regain the trust of
people on the government. Special schemes should be initiated for
 creating livelihood opportunities and for the education of children
affected by floods.
 Long term measures for flood prevention, mitigation and
adaptation should be taken. Embankments and flood resistant
structures must be built after scientific analysis.
 Local people must be made aware about their rights and sense of
duty towards ensuring good governance. ‘Citizen centric
governance’ must be the way forward as recommended by the
2nd ARC report. Mechanisms like social audits should be made
mandatory for such projects.

Case Study - 4: Rule of Law vs Social Norms

You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in the district where instances of
honour killing are rampant. One day you receive a phone call from a girl
informing you of the potential threat to her and her partners’ life from her
family as she has decided to marry a boy belonging to a lower caste.
Moreover, the local police station is not filing the FIR or granting them
protection. You ask her to visit your office but she demands police protection
to come out from the hideout as her father’s goons are chasing her.

On further inquiry, you come to know that the girl is the daughter of one of
the most powerful Minister of the State and both girl and boy are legally
eligible to get married. The family is concerned about the family prestige due
to the lower caste of the boy and also of the financial stability of marriage as
they both are unemployed. You are under extreme political pressure to charge
the boy of kidnapping the girl or else face the consequences.

In such circumstances, point out the ethical dilemma faced by you and options
available to you. Also, chalk out the course of action you would prefer to
follow. (250 words)

Solution

Facts of the case: Stakeholders involved Values

 Possibilit  The couple  Toleran

y of ce
 Politician-
honour
father of the  Humani
killing
girl sm
mainly
 due to  Local  Leaders
non- communities hip
acceptabil
 Self  Courage
ity of
(Superintend
inter-  Social
ent of
caste justice
Police-SP)
marriage.
 Couple
legally
eligible to
get
married.
 Concerns
of
financial
stability
of the
marriage.
 Local
police not
filing the
FIR.
 Extreme
political
pressure
of filing a
false case
against
the boy.

Ethical dilemmas
 Personal v/s professional ethics: Adhering to the demands of
political leaders by not providing protection to the couple or
following legal duty to provide safety and security to the couple.
 Following social norms v/s ethical norms: Accepting inter-caste
marriage is not socially acceptable but moral standards suggest to
allow the couple to exercise their free will.
Options available

Options Merits Demerits

Allowing  Meeting  Against the

the expectations of the fundamental
communities
to handle the political leaders. rights of the
situation couple.
themselves. Going
against the
Constitutiona
l ethos.
 Putting lives
of the couple
at risk.
 May disturb
law and order
situation.

Providing  Opportunity to  May lead to

police show administrati political
protection to
the couple ve leadership. backlash
and against the
 Showing impartial
following SP.
standard
attitude of
legal administration.  Risk to lives
procedures. of the couple
 Avoiding moral
once police
dissonance.
protection is
removed.
 Police
administratio
n may face
the wrath of
local
community
leaders.

Option (2) should be the correct approach to handle the situation.

Course of action

Step Reason

1. Initiating  Knowing about the circumstances would

preliminary give an opportunity to better understand
inquiry and
validating the viewpoints of the couple, the
the facts community members and the local police
officers.
 It would make sure that there are no
vicious motives or any political
conspiracy.
 This would avoid taking any extreme
step under false information.

2. Filing FIR  Protecting the lives of the couple should

and be of utmost priority.
providing
police
protection

3. Providing  It is the duty of the administration to

legal, provide safety and security to the
financial
and moral citizens.
support to  Also, the couple must be counseled about
the couple
their financial and moral responsibilities
post marriage.

4. Convincing  Parents and community members must

their be initially convinced about the need to
parents and
community respect their children’s individual
members. freedom.
 They must be given strict warning not to
indulge in any form of violence.

5. Initiating  There is need to make the citizens realize

awareness that casteism and honor killing are not
drive
 against just illegal but social evils as well.
casteism and
honour
killing

Measures to deal with the crisis

 Initiate steps for attitudinal change to reduce caste prejudices,
abolish untouchability and spread the values of liberty, equality,
fraternity, etc in the society.
 Utilizing Dr Ambedkar scheme for social integration through
inter-caste marriages to extend financial incentive to the couple
to enable them to settle down in the initial phase of their married
life.
 The SP must show spirit of service and conviction to
ensure justice to the couple. He must ensure that a safe and secure
environment is created in the district so that no one should fear of
moral policing.
 Taking confidence building measures to regain the trust of
people on the administration.
The false notions of honour and pride are so deep rooted that people even forget
the social bonds of love and emotions with their own children. Thus, the
attitudinal change programmes must target the revival of social bonds and realizing
them about need to give respect to human lives and compassion.

Case Study - 5: Development vs Environmental and Human Rights

You are the Managing Director of Metro Rail Corporation (MRC) of a

metropolitan city and you have received orders and funding for construction
of the metro track and a parking space in a densely forested area of the city
with houses of few underprivileged families as well in it.

For the construction, the forest has to be cleared and the families have to be
moved to some other place. The locals have started a protest after knowing
about the order. They are highly raged about cutting down thousands of trees
and the affected families have also joined them because the forest holds
emotional value for them.

On the other hand, the minister who directly controls the MRC is pressuring
you to start the felling process as soon as possible. You know that going
against his orders will have serious repercussions.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved and the options available to you in
such a situation?

(b) Also, suggest a course of action you would like to follow. (250 words)

Solution

Being the Managing Director of the Metro Rail Corporation, my foremost duty is
to maintain the sustainability of project along with fulfilling my constitutional and
ethical duty towards the environment and the underprivileged.

As per Gandhian philosophy, the public servants are the trustees of natural
resources, therefore the development process should be inclusive of the voice of all
without compromising on future developmental needs.

Stakeholders Involved
 Government
 Underprivileged people living in the forest area
 Members of Civil Society protesting against environmental
damage
 Metro Rail Corporation
 Future commuters
The ethical issues involved
 Development vs Environment: As the population in cities is
increasing, infrastructural development is essential to
accommodate the growing demand, but environmental protection
is a necessity for the sustainability of life which cannot be
neglected at any cost.
 Rights of Underprivileged: Development cannot be done at the
cost of marginalised section and their rights should be safeguarded
at any cost. So, evicting people’ from their homes is not just
treatment.
The various options available are
 Starting the felling of trees and eviction process as per the
orders: This option allows me to fulfil my duty of following the
administrative orders. But it violates the universal virtue by
exploiting nature and legal rights of underprivileged.
  Stop the felling of trees and eviction orders: It may fulfil my
duty towards the environment and will reflect my ethical concerns
towards the marginalized people. However, I may face punitive
actions for not discharging the official orders as the minister is
personally involved in the case.
 Forming a committee to resolve the issue: It will provide an
opportunity to incorporate the views of different stakeholders and
arrive at a peaceful solution. It will make the development process
more inclusive.
In such circumstances, it would be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the
project so that needs and rights are not compromised on either side.

Firstly, proper two-way communication should be established between the

protestors and authorities so that both sides get a due chance to present their views.

Secondly, a proper plan for rehabilitation of underprivileged (to be evicted)

should be put into action in order to safeguard their rights, along with taking care
of their livelihood and adequate compensation. For this purpose, the Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund could be utilized.

Thirdly, the design of the project should be reconsidered in order to cause

minimum harm to the environment. A pooled fund could be created, where a
certain percentage of revenues earned from the project could be used for
environmental restoration.

 In fact, the protestors should be motivated to help local authorities

to create an even bigger green patch in the city
and Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA Fund) could
be used by the local government for afforestation.
Finally, the political and public pressure can be averted by forming an independent
committee involving the members from civil society, environment experts, design
engineers and government representatives to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Development needs in this dynamic world cannot be compromised but

environmental protection as mandated by Directive Principles of State Policy is
also a State responsibility, therefore a proper balance between the two is essential
for a peaceful existence.

Case Study - 6: Personal relations vs Ethical values

Pawan is pursuing MBA and shares a room with you in the private hostel. He
desperately needs a job after completing his course because of educational
loan and weak economic background. In his last two semesters, he couldn’t
secure good grades due to serious illness. In current semester he has to secure
good marks at any cost to satisfy minimum criteria for placements.

Few days before the final semester exam, he comes to you and asks for money.
He is stressed and nervous. He tells you about his plan to purchase semester
papers to clear the exam and convinces you for the same by giving reference
to his bad health, family status and his education loan.

In such circumstances, would it be right to lend money to him?

(a) Identify the moral dilemma faced by you.

(b) Analyse your role and duties as a friend, also suggest your course of
action.

Solution

The given case tests the ability of a person to stick to the right means even in
difficult circumstances in life. One needs to balance his role as a true friend by
making Pawan realize his mistake and simultaneously helping him in other ways.

Facts of the case Stakeholders Values involved

involved
 Pawan’s  Integrity
weak  Pawan
 Honesty
economic  His
background,  Fear
family
bad health  Courage
and family  College
responsibiliti staff  Fortitude
es. (faculty,  Empathy
placeme
 Good grades nt  Moral
needed to committe righteousne
satisfy e, etc) ss
minimum
criteria for  Self
placements (Pawan’s
roommat
 Asked for e)
money to
purchase
 semester
papers.
 Stress and
nervousness
due to fear of
failure.

a) Moral dilemmas faced:

 Means v/s Ends: Taking incorrect means of giving Pawan the

money to buy the semester papers to attain the ends of getting
good grades which would allow him to sit for placements.
 Social obligation v/s moral righteousness: Supporting one’s
friend in need or adhering to one’s conscience by not giving him
money.
b) Roles and duties as a friend:

 A true friend is one who shows the right path. He is one who not
only tells ‘what is’ rather ‘what ought to be’. Hence, he is a true
friend, philosopher and guide for lifetime.
 He shows the emotional support, empathy, trust, and mutual
cooperation in the hardest of times.
 He encourages and motivates others and imbibes confidence in
them so that the hidden talent and capabilities can be revived.

 Course of Merit Demerit

action

1. Knowing and  It will help  It will give

understanding him chance to him
Pawan’s
condition explain his opportunity
situation. to lie and
mould facts.
 He may even
realize his
own mistakes.

2. Denying him  His fear of  He may flunk

 money to failure can be in exam and
purchase removed. may not get a
papers and
job.
motivating him  Upholding his
to study hard. moral  He may not
conscience be able to
will make him repay his
more bank loans.
productive at
work.

3. Helping him in  It may imbibe  He may not

studies by confidence in cope up with
making
available him that he the pressure.
required notes, can pass
 He may
books, etc. without
become
cheating.
habitual of
 Relieving him other’s help
nervousness and ease of
and pressure. access to
resources.

4. Taking help  Teachers may  Setting

from faculty, provide him wrong
placement
committee, etc. extra classes precedent for
considering future.
his situation.
 College staff
 Placement may show
committee empathy with
may relax the him.
minimum
criterion for
all students,
once majority
of candidates
are placed.

Conclusion
  As suggested by Gandhiji, we always have control over the means
but not over the end. As quoted in his book ‘Hind Swaraj’, “one
should not expect rose flowers by sowing the seeds of
Babool.” Hence, Pawan should adhere to the correct means by not
cheating for the sake of passing the exam.
 Also, one can only expect short term gains by following incorrect
means. But in the long run, it is always one’s righteousness, ideal
conduct, and truth which lead to a successful life.
 Hence, Pawan should be made to realize that excellence is a way
of life and in his long career ahead, it will always be his ‘ethical
conduct’ which would allow him to steer the path towards success.

Case Studies

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Case Study - 7: Environment v/s Development

Industrial chemicals are produced on a big scale by a conglomerate. It

suggested establishing a second unit. Due to its negative impact on the
environment, many states rejected this proposal. But one state government
acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all
opposition. Further, the unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till
recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the
land, water, and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems
to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitations
demanding the closure of the plant. In a recent agitation, thousands of people
took part, creating a law-and-order problem necessitating stern police action.
Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the
factory. The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only
those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were
working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries
which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.

As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling these issues,

how are you going to address it?

Solution:

Approach
 Briefly introduce the ethical issue involved in the above case.
  Discuss about various stakeholders and ethical dilemmas involved
in the case.
 Discuss your course of action as a senior officer.
 In conclusion, choose a way forward to resolve the issue.
Introduction
 The case involves the conflict between public health and
environment safety v/s livelihood of people. It requires proper
balance between environmental ethics and developmental ethics.
Body
 Stakeholders involved in the case are as under:
o Me as a senior officer who is responsible to solve this
case,
o People living in the area,
o Employee of the closed factory,
o Ancillary units,
o State government which gave permission to set up
industrial unit,
o MLA/MP of the area
 Ethical issues involved:
o Emotional Intelligence: It would help senior officer in
handling the difficult situation arising from the above
case.
o Empathy: It is an awareness of the needs and feelings
of others both individually and in groups and being able
to see things from the point of view of others.
 Ethical dilemmas involved:
o Environmental responsibility v/s development: There
is a conflict between development and saving nature
from degradation due to setting up of industrial unit.
 Course of action:
o My course of action:
 My plan would be to look for solution that
will keep the factory running under better
environmental conditions as well as keep the
jobs of the people.
 I would firstly visit the factory to
analyze what were the issues that
led to the factory closure. I would
try to see if the factory could be
modified with advance equipment
that does not harm the nearby
environment.
 If the conditions are good for
modification, I would request for a
special group of experts who can
look for solutions for developing
the factory under acceptable
conditions.
 When the plans of modification
worked well and environmental
degradation is reduced, then I
would need to convince the people
for their approval for this project
to go ahead. I would then provide
them with proof so that they trust
the administration.
 The factory administration would
need to make the changes
according to the environmental
standards. If the factory does not
have any funds, I would consider
providing them with necessary
resources in short term as a loan
so that they can go ahead with the
approved plan.
 In a scenario where no
modification can be undertaken,
then I would brainstorm
alternative plans, so that people do
not suffer. This can be done
 through setting up of another
industry that is less polluting.
 If no such industry is set up, I
would have to take steps that can
allow the job losers to attain
financial security. This can be
done through transferring them to
other industries as per their
requirements and further,
supporting them with self-
employment opportunities by
providing them with loans to set
up small cooperative industries or
small business.
 I would be conducting an investigation to
find out whether environmental rules were
flouted while giving permission to set up
factory ten years back or there are any
loopholes in the state’s Environmental
Impact Assessment norms which were used
by company. At the same time the inspection
should be done to find out that other
companies are not flouting norms and
polluting the environment.
 Alternatively, I may order the shutdown of
the industrial unit due to public outcry, then
it would be short sighted solution as, it
would shift the problem to some other place
and consequently putting the health of people
there at risk rather than providing a
sustainable solution for the existing problem.
 However, this option is not viable
and best course for action.
Conclusion
Thus, my final course of action would be combination of the first and second
option where both people’s employment and environmental pollution are given
focus. Further, if both the issues are addressed then I would consider this a
successful operation
Case Study - 8: Duty versus Morality

You are posted as an SDM in a division of district which is undergoing ethnic

turbulence since sometime. There has been a substantial loss of lives and
property due to the disturbance, following which you are given implicit orders
by the ruling party of the area to move a certain section of population,
belonging to a particular ethnic group, out of the area to control the situation.
This order has put you in a difficult position as it goes against your own
ethical values of targeting a section of population and moving them out of
their homes. However, not following the orders will be taken as dereliction of
duty and will put the onus on you for the loss of lives.

A. In this situation, what are the options available to you?

B. In your opinion, what can be the most appropriate course of action and
why? (250 words)

Solution
Approach
 Explain the given case and the ethical dilemma faced.
 Mention the options available with their merits and demerits.
 Mention a course of action with explanation.
The given case poses a challenge to choose between political orders of evicting a
particular ethnic group against personal ethical values of targeting a section of
population and moving them out of their homes. It highlights the ethical dilemma
between duty ethics and social justice.

Options available

Options Merits Demerits

1.  May control  Will create

Follow the situation. ethical
the dissonance as
orders  Meeting
forceful eviction
and expectations of
is
evict the the political
against human
particula leaders.
dignity.
r group
 of  Avoiding  May even
people. dereliction of further arouse
duty. communal
tensions.

2. Take  Opportunity to  Delayed

time to
show administ response can
control the
situation rative give time to
and assess leadership. wrongdoers to
whether spread violence.
there is a  Showing
need to impartial
remove attitude of
them. administration.

3. Not  Avoiding mora  Accountable for

following
l dissonance. the loss of lives.
the orders
and  May lead to
allowing
political
the group
to stay. backlash against
the SDM.

4.  Avoiding any  Not

Informing
conflict with showing accoun
appropriat
e higher the political table behavior.
authority leaders.
 Showing
and
seeking escapist
direct tendency by
governme avoiding the
nt situation.
interventio
n.

Option (2) seems to be the correct method to handle the situation.

It is to be noted that evicting a particular group can be viewed by locals as

targeting a specific community. This can encourage others to indulge in violent
activity. Also, the order could be politically motivated without rational basis.
Following such an order is not only against individual dignity but also against
code of conduct of civil services.
Course of Action
As the SDM of the district, following could be the possible courses of action:

 Perform first hand investigation of the ground reality and keep the
political leadership informed about the gravity of the situation.
 Foremost priority should be to control the law & order situation.
Ensure safety/security of the people by:

o Increased patrolling, deployment of force.

o Adopting zero-tolerance against wrongdoers.
 Persuade the political leaders to give some time to control the
situation and convince them that forced eviction of the group
could further deteriorate the conditions.
 Use social influence/ persuasion

o Directly talking to community leaders taking help from

locally influential people, grassroot workers, NGOs, etc
to convince people not to indulge in ethnic clashes.
o Approach of saintliness and empathy to involve them to
win their trust.
Further, once the situation is in control, long term steps should be initiated.
Developing harmony among the groups and maintain strict vigilance to avoid any
instance that could trigger further conflict. Panchayat leaders should be encouraged
to convince people and maintain social harmony.

Thus, by taking into confidence the political leaders, and controlling the law and
order situation could prevent loss of lives and property. This way one can fulfill
his/her administrative duty without neglecting social justice simultaneously
showing the objectivity and non-partisan attitude of administration.