Case Study Arun Mehta, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly urbanising metropolitan city, is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in deaths and respiratory illnesses linked to deteriorating air quality. Recent reports from the State Pollution Control Board and a reputed medical institute reveal that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are consistently 4–5 times higher than permissible limits, with a sharp increase in lung diseases among children and the elderly. Despite these warnings, several influential construction firms and transport unions continue to flout dust control, emission, and waste disposal norms. When Arun proposes stricter enforcement and temporary shutdowns of polluting construction sites, he faces severe resistance from local politicians and business lobbies, who argue that such actions would “hurt development and employment.” Some media outlets label his measures as “anti-growth.” Environmental NGOs and citizen groups urge immediate action, citing the constitutional right to a healthy environment under Article 21. At the same time, municipal employees complain of inadequate protective gear and poor coordination among departments. The state government, fearing public outrage, forms a committee to “study the issue,” delaying concrete action. Arun must now decide whether to take strong punitive measures against violators and enforce pollution control norms strictly, or adopt a gradual approach to avoid confrontation with vested interests and political backlash. His decision will test his administrative courage, ethical conviction, and sense of duty toward public welfare. Questions: 1. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Mehta in this situation? 2. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and principles involved in this case. 3. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Arun and their likely consequences. 4. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action that balances environmental protection with developmental needs.

Case Study Suresh is a District Magistrate in a socio-economically backward region where brick kilns, stone quarries, and small manufacturing units provide employment to a large number of unskilled and migrant workers. Many of these workers belong to marginalized communities and are heavily indebted to contractors due to advances taken for medical expenses, marriages, or survival needs. Recently, a group of social activists submitted a complaint to Suresh’s office alleging the prevalence of bonded labour practices in several work sites. Workers are reportedly forced to work long hours at extremely low wages, are not allowed to leave until their debts are repaid, and face threats and physical intimidation if they attempt to escape. Identity documents are often confiscated by contractors, and children are also made to assist their parents at work sites. The contractors deny the allegations, claiming that workers are employed voluntarily and that advance payments are a common practice. Some local political leaders and influential business owners, who have economic stakes in these units, have informally advised Suresh to “handle the matter sensitively” to avoid social unrest and disruption of local economic activity. Media attention is increasing after the rescue of a bonded labourer revealed inhuman living conditions and custodial violence at one of the sites. Questions Q1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the case from the perspectives of bonded labourers, employers, and public authorities. Q2. What options are available to Suresh in dealing with this situation? Critically evaluate each option. Q3. As the District Magistrate, what course of action should Suresh adopt to uphold constitutional values, human rights, and ethical governance? Justify your answer.

Case Study Mr. Saurabh Singh is the District Magistrate of a district where the State Board examinations for Class 12 are currently underway. The district has a history of examination malpractices, including cheating, impersonation, and organised paper leaks. Determined to ensure fairness, Mr. Singh has implemented strict measures, installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of flying squads, and strict enforcement of anti-cheating laws. During an inspection of an examination centre in a rural area, a flying squad catches a group of students using unfair means. Among them is a meritorious girl student from an economically weaker background who is known in the village for her academic excellence and aspirations to pursue higher education. On questioning, she breaks down and reveals that she was under immense pressure from her family to secure top marks, as her scholarship and future prospects depend on her results. She admits that she made a mistake under stress. At the same time, local reports indicate that organised cheating rackets are still active in other centres, often involving collusion between invigilators and local influential persons. Civil society groups and media are closely watching the administration’s actions, praising strict enforcement but also cautioning against “over-penalisation” of vulnerable students. Some local leaders approach Mr. Singh informally, requesting leniency in this particular case, arguing that a harsh punishment could destroy the student’s future. On the other hand, education officials emphasise that any exception may weaken deterrence and send the wrong signal. Mr. Singh must decide how to respond in a way that upholds examination integrity, ensures fairness, and reflects compassion without compromising the rule of law. Questions 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Mr. Singh? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. What should be the most appropriate course of action for Mr. Singh? Justify your answer in terms of ethical values and administrative responsibility.

Case Study You are a Civil Services aspirant who has cleared the first two stages of the exam and has recently received the interview call letter. On this momentous occasion, you decided to visit a holy shrine near your residence, in order to offer your gratitude to the divine. At the entrance of the shrine, you encounter a disturbing spectacle of exorcism. Two women are being continuously slapped, cursed and shouted upon by a domineering religious man, and their families are standing nearby as silent spectators. You are convinced that these women are suffering from psychological issues but its symptoms are being construed as the presence of evil spirit by the family members. You are deeply moved by the women’s plight and you empathize with them. (a) What choices do you have and how will you respond in this situation? (b) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of exorcism?

Case Study You are a young field athlete, proudly representing India in your debut at an international championship. While staying at the athletes' village, you accidentally enter the common restroom and see a few senior team members injecting themselves with an unidentified substance. Suspicious, you ask them about it. They explain that it's a ‘recovery booster, a performance-enhancing drug (PED) that supposedly helps with endurance and muscle repair. They further suggest that using it is common practice, especially in global competitions, and if you want to remain competitive and secure your place in the team, you should consider taking it too. Later, while contemplating whether to approach the coach, you learn from another junior athlete that the team coach is not only aware but has allegedly recommended its use, citing ‘national interest’ and ‘medal pressure.’ Questions: (a) What are the key ethical dilemmas involved in this situation? (b) What are the possible courses of action available to you in this scenario? (c) What course of action would you choose and why?

Case Study You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a rapidly urbanising district. The State Government has approved a large urban infrastructure project involving construction of affordable housing and commercial complexes under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. One of the shortlisted private firms is owned by a close relative of your spouse. The firm has a strong technical record and offers the lowest financial bid. While the rules do not explicitly bar participation of relatives, media reports have begun questioning the transparency of the selection process. At the same time, senior political executives informally indicate that clearing the project quickly is crucial for economic growth and employment generation. Delaying or recusing yourself may slow the project and invite allegations of inefficiency. Your subordinates are divided, some argue that merit should prevail, while others warn that public perception of bias could damage the administration’s credibility. Questions: 1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case. 2.What options are available to you as the District Magistrate? 3.Which course of action would you choose and justify your decision on ethical grounds. 4.How can institutional mechanisms be strengthened to prevent such dilemmas in public administration?

Case Study Farmers and their families have been protesting on the interstate border of Delhi for months, camped out on roads demonstrating over the government's new farm laws which they think will ruin their livelihoods. Farmer unions and their representatives have demanded that the laws be repealed and have stated that they will not accept a compromise. Farmer leaders have welcomed the Supreme Court of India stay order on the implementation of the farm laws but rejected the committee appointed by the Supreme Court. Farmer leaders have also rejected a government proposal of suspending the laws for 18 months. Eleven rounds of talks have taken place between the central government and farmers represented by the farm unions; all were inconclusive. The protesting farmers sometimes turn violent and damage public property in the guise of peaceful protest. A number of telecom towers of a particular company and other infrastructure were also damaged. The roads approaching to Delhi have been turned into protesting sites and are blocked by protesters causing nuisance to passengers and local population. However supporters of the laws say improvements are badly needed, as thousands of farmers are struggling. What are the ethical issues in the case? Discuss the different options available and how will you respond in this case?