Case Study Aarav is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district. His wife, Meera, is a doctor working in a government hospital. They have a six-year-old daughter, who is primarily cared for by grandparents and a domestic help due to the demanding nature of their jobs. One evening, Aarav is about to leave the office after a long day when he receives an urgent call from the Chief Secretary. A major industrial accident has occurred in a factory on the outskirts of the district, causing severe casualties. His immediate presence is required to oversee rescue operations and coordinate with disaster management teams. At the same time, he receives another call—this time from his wife—informing him that their daughter has suddenly fallen ill and needs immediate medical attention. His presence at home would provide emotional support to his family, especially as Meera has an emergency surgery scheduled at the hospital. Aarav is torn between his professional duty, which demands immediate action to manage a crisis affecting many lives, and his moral responsibility as a husband and father. He must decide where his priority lies in this situation. Questions: (a) Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case. (b) If you were in Aarav’s place, how would you handle this situation? (c) In light of this case, discuss the importance of institutional mechanisms in ensuring a better work-life balance for civil servants.

Case Study You are the District Collector of a coastal district. A severe cyclone is expected to make landfall in your district within 48 hours. The meteorological department has issued a red alert, warning of wind speeds up to 150 km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges. Your district has a population of about 5 lakh people, with 2 lakh living in low-lying coastal areas at high risk of flooding. The district has limited evacuation centers, and moving such a large number of people on short notice poses significant logistical challenges. The district hospital is located in a low-lying area and houses 200 patients, including 50 in the ICU. Moving them would be risky and time-consuming. Additionally, there's a large fishing community that is reluctant to leave their boats and homes, as they fear looting in their absence. Many of them also doubt the severity of the weather forecast, based on past experiences where cyclone warnings didn't materialize into major events. Questions: 1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this case? 2. What immediate course of action will you take to ensure the safety and evacuation of the population, particularly those in high-risk areas? 3. What long-term measures can be implemented to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in your coastal district?

Case Study Ms. Riya Malhotra is serving as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a backward, drought-prone block where a large section of the population depends on government welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), pensions, and employment under MGNREGA. During a routine inspection, Ms. Malhotra discovers serious irregularities in the local PDS system. Several fair price shop dealers have been diverting subsidised food grains to the open market with the alleged connivance of lower-level revenue and supply officials. Digital records show compliance, but ground verification and beneficiary testimonies indicate widespread exclusion of genuine households. If strict action is taken immediately, such as suspension of dealers and officials, there is a risk of disruption in food supply for thousands of vulnerable families in the short term. Moreover, some of the accused officials are known to be politically well-connected, and informal messages reach Ms. Malhotra advising her to “handle the matter sensitively” to avoid controversy. At the same time, civil society organisations and local media have begun highlighting the issue, questioning the administration’s commitment to transparency and justice. With the lean agricultural season approaching, any prolonged disruption in welfare delivery could worsen hunger and distress. Ms. Malhotra must decide how to act in a manner that ensures justice, protects the vulnerable, and upholds administrative integrity. Questions 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Ms. Malhotra? Examine the merits and demerits of each. 3. What course of action should Ms. Malhotra adopt? Justify your answer in terms of ethical values, public interest, and administrative responsibility.

Case Study Dr. Ankur Sharma is a surgeon. He comes from a well-educated family. Rahul, his little son, is 7 years old and is showing some troubling behaviour patterns. Rahul has been taking pleasure in hurting and torturing creatures for the last two years. It all started when he would pick up some insects such as cockroaches and worms and take delight in cutting them to pieces with a blade. The family keeps some pets including rabbits and some days ago Mr. Sharma detected the boy vivisecting a rabbit in a lonely corner of their garden. By the time Mr. Sharma intervened it was all over, and young Rahul was almost relishing the sight of his bloody hand. Mr. Sharma, of course, scolded the kid but they are worried about the gruesome incidents likely to happen from this kind of perverse behaviour. What actions should the parents take? Select from the following options: 1. They should ignore the incidents as childish pranks. 2. They should explain to Rahul the need to behave kindly towards animals and to avoid violence in all forms. 3. They should take Rahul to a psychiatrist for counselling and treatment. 4. They should not let Rahul out of sight when he is alone.

Case Study Dr. Anjali, a dedicated and upright IAS officer, has recently been appointed as the Director of the State Health Department. Soon after assuming charge, she discovers large-scale irregularities in the procurement of life-saving medical equipment for government hospitals. A particular contract for ventilators was awarded to a private company that failed to meet safety and quality standards. Several patients lost their lives due to malfunctions during a recent health crisis. Upon further investigation, Anjali finds that the tendering process was manipulated to favor this company. The procurement file was approved under questionable circumstances by her predecessor, who has since retired. Many junior officials in the department are aware of these malpractices but are unwilling to come forward, fearing professional repercussions. Meanwhile, a senior journalist approaches Anjali with leaked documents proving corruption in the procurement deal. The journalist is willing to publish an exposé but warns that powerful business and bureaucratic interests may suppress the story. Additionally, an activist group files a formal complaint demanding immediate legal action. As Anjali deliberates, she receives subtle pressure from senior bureaucrats to avoid revisiting past decisions due to risk of transfer under political influence and to focus on future governance. Some of her colleagues advise her that pursuing this issue aggressively could result in an abrupt transfer or administrative sidelining. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the case? 2. Evaluate the options available to Anjali as a conscientious civil servant? 3. What systemic reforms are needed to prevent corruption in public procurement, ensure bureaucratic independence, and protect whistleblowers in government institutions?

Case Study Recently, in a tragic incident occurred in west Delhi where a 20-year-old woman was found naked and dead. She had been dragged beneath a car for 12 kilometers. According to reports, the occupants of the car, which included the son of a ruling party president, were aware that the woman was trapped under the car but chose to keep driving in order to avoid getting caught. Additionally, there is reported pressure on the police by the ruling party to resolve the case quickly and protect the accused. As a IPS officer you were given responsibility to handle the case, what would you do in this scenario?

Case Study Mr. Verma, a distinguished IAS officer, has been known for his integrity and commitment to public service. He has earned a reputation for effectively implementing various development projects and policies. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges the state faces, including corruption, inadequate healthcare, and educational facilities, and unemployment issues. Motivated by his strong sense of duty and a desire to bring about meaningful change, Mr. Verma decides to contest elections to address these issues at a political level. However, the state government refuses to accept his resignation, arguing that his expertise and experience are critical for the ongoing development projects. They assert that allowing him to contest elections would disrupt the state's administrative stability. A. What are the Ethical Issues involved in the Case? B. What are the guidelines for Civil Servants when it comes to running in elections?