Case Study As the Superintendent of Police in Reasi, you have just received a distressing report about a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. The strike, which claimed the lives of nine civilians, has sent shockwaves through the region, shattering the relative calm that had prevailed in recent years. The timing of the attack could not be more precarious, as the region gears up for the upcoming assembly elections. You now find yourself at a critical juncture, tasked with immediate relief measures and devising a comprehensive strategy to address this resurgence of terrorist activities while maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians. Political tensions are running high, and any misstep in your response could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Union Territory. 1. What are the key stakeholders involved in this case? 2. What will be your immediate course of action as the Superintendent of Police? 3. What will be your long-term strategy to address the resurgence of terrorist activities and maintain peace in the region?

Case Study You are the District Collector of a rural district with a high rate of female illiteracy and child marriage. A new government scheme has been launched to provide financial incentives to families who keep their daughters in school until age 18. However, implementation has been challenging due to deeply entrenched cultural norms. Recently, you have received reports that some families are falsely claiming the incentives while still marrying off their daughters early. You must carefully analyze the situation, balance competing interests and take adequate steps to resolve this issue. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? What actions will you take regarding effective implementation of the scheme and address other immediate social challenges? What long-term strategies can be implemented to sustain the impact of the scheme and changing societal attitudes towards female education and child marriage?

Case Study Ritika Sharma, the District Magistrate of a rapidly developing district, is confronted with worrying reports of a steady rise in drug use among students and young professionals. Over the past few weeks, multiple incidents have raised alarms: five college students were admitted to the district hospital after consuming synthetic drugs at a birthday party; police intercepted a courier parcel containing narcotics disguised as health supplements; and several school counsellors reported behavioural changes and absenteeism linked to possible substance abuse. Preliminary investigations reveal that drugs are being distributed through encrypted messaging apps and anonymous digital wallets. Intelligence inputs point toward a network involving a local nightclub owner, a few influential businessmen, and some college staff who allegedly “look the other way” during campus events. Ritika proposes a plan involving targeted NDPS enforcement, surprise inspections, mandatory counselling sessions in institutions, and collaboration with parents and community groups. However, as soon as the proposal is made public, pushback begins. Parents’ associations accuse the administration of “criminalising youth experimentation” and argue that harsh action may stigmatise students. The nightclub and hospitality lobby warns that raids and strict policing will harm the district’s business climate. A few NGOs frame the administration’s approach as intrusive and insist that addiction should be treated primarily as a health and rights-based issue. Local media channels run debates portraying the crackdown as moral policing rather than a public safety necessity. Politically connected individuals try to influence Ritika, advising her to avoid taking decisions that may create controversy before the upcoming local elections. Simultaneously, the district’s anti-narcotics unit warns that delay could allow the emerging drug network to become entrenched. Medical professionals highlight a sharp increase in substance-related emergency cases and caution that untreated early-stage addiction can quickly escalate. Ritika finds herself torn between safeguarding youth welfare and respecting personal freedoms, between enforcing the law firmly and adopting a compassionate, rehabilitation-oriented approach. She is aware that her decision will have long-term implications for public health, administrative credibility, and trust between the youth and the state. Questions 1. What are the main ethical dilemmas Ritika faces 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 Ritika and their likely consequences. 4. What should be Ritika’s most ethical and administratively sound course of action to address the rising drug problem?

Case Study A woman was in a live-in relationship with her male partner. She complained to the police of sexual harassment and rape continously for the last five years on the pretext of marriage by her partner. The police on prima facie investigation found out that the allegation is false and the couple was living happily until some internal feud developed that led to these baseless allegations. The woman complained to the State Commission for Women and alleged that she did not get justice from the police and they were biased against her due to a patriarchal mindset. She demands justice from the Women Commission. You are the chairperson of the State Commission for Women. (a) What steps will you take in such a situation? (b) Do you think that live-in relationships are against Indian culture and traditional values?

Case Study Arjun is an IAS officer posted as District Magistrate (DM) in a backward district. The district has recently been declared as an “Aspirational District” and is receiving special funds for education, health, and infrastructure development. During a routine review, Arjun discovers that a large portion of the education funds have been diverted by middle-level officials to construct a new VIP Guest House. The justification given is that frequent visits of ministers and senior bureaucrats require better accommodation facilities, which indirectly helps the district by attracting more attention and projects. Arjun confronts the officials, but they argue that: i. The project has political backing and halting it will upset powerful leaders. ii. The guest house is “technically within public interest.” iii. Exposing the misuse might delay other ongoing schemes due to political retaliation. At the same time, Arjun receives a complaint from local civil society groups that several schools lack even basic facilities like toilets, clean drinking water, and teachers. He realizes that continuing the misuse of funds will directly harm the education of children, worsening inequality. If he resists, he risks straining relations with political leaders, possible transfer, and jeopardizing his ability to work in the district. If he complies, the basic rights of children will be sacrificed. Questions (a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Arjun in this case? (b) If you were guiding young civil servants on this case, what ethical principles and leadership qualities would you emphasize for handling such dilemmas in public life? (c) Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Arjun, balancing administrative pragmatism with ethical responsibility.