Case Study Suppose you are newly appointed as a District Collector, and a businessman approaches you to seek permission regarding building a mall in your city with a modernised ambience that once built will be a glorious addition to the City. However, the projected land for the mall is surrounded by slums, and therefore must be cleared before construction can begin. The subordinate informed you that the slums were built illegally and have been breeding grounds for drug dealers and phone snatchers. In addition, the businessman proposes that if you approve the tender, he will facilitate the purchase of a large plot of land in a renowned area of the city in the name of your wife/husband. Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain your course of action as a public servant.

Case Study You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a rapidly urbanizing city facing significant infrastructure challenges. An intense monsoon has overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leading to widespread waterlogging. While coordinating relief efforts, you receive an urgent distress call about a gym in the basement of a high-rise building in a posh locality. The heavy rainfall and inadequate water management have caused water to break through the gym's door, flooding the basement and rapidly rising. Reports indicate that several people are trapped inside. The situation is further aggravated by panic among the building's residents and a growing crowd outside. The scenario is critical, necessitating immediate action to carry out rescue operations, prevent further property damage, and ensure public safety. As the SP, you must efficiently coordinate rescue efforts, assess the evolving situation, and implement measures to mitigate the impact of the waterlogging. 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? 2. What will be your immediate course of action to manage the rescue operations and ensure public safety? 3. What long-term measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future?

Case Study In a rural region near the Ganga river basin, the local economy has increasingly become dependent on sand mining for construction purposes. The local government has issued permits for sand mining in limited areas under strict regulations. However, illegal sand mining is rampant in the region, with powerful contractors exploiting local resources and creating environmental degradation. Many contractors extract sand in excess of permitted limits and from non-designated areas, severely affecting the river's flow, local biodiversity, and nearby agricultural lands. During your inspection visit as a district official, you observe large-scale illegal sand mining activities despite the presence of regulatory bodies. Upon questioning, the workers claim they are employed by a registered contractor operating within the limits. However, you notice heavy machinery being used in restricted areas. Villagers complain that illegal mining is damaging their fields, causing erosion, and affecting water availability. Moreover, you learn that the local administration is allegedly turning a blind eye to the issue due to the involvement of influential political figures. 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? 2. Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. 3. What steps would you take to address the situation as a district official?

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 Siddhant and his family were very excited about his marriage ceremony, as after a very long time a marriage was taking place in their family. But as soon as Siddhant reached marriage venue, he saw that the band arranged by the bride’s side had many child laborers who were involved with the band. Excited Siddhant suddenly turned into a conflicted Siddhartha, as being a labor commissioner it was his duty to stop such violation of law. He pondered over it, and thought of many options like arranging a new band immediately, giving notice to the band owner for engaging in such conduct and filing a case against them. But, Siddhant ultimately proceeded with the wedding thinking that it will ruin the most important day in his life. (a) Was Siddhant right in his conduct? (b) If you would have been in place of Siddhant, amongst the options pondered by him what would have been your course of action?