Case Study You are a superintendent of police in a district that has a high incidence of crimes against women, such as rape, dowry harassment, domestic violence, etc. You have been trying to improve the situation by sensitizing the police personnel, creating awareness among the public, strengthening the legal and medical support systems, etc. However, you face many challenges and constraints in your efforts, such as lack of adequate staff and infrastructure, political interference and pressure, social stigma and prejudice, media sensationalism and trial by public opinion, etc. One day, you receive a call from a woman who claims that she has been gang-raped by four men who are influential and well-connected in the society. She says that she is afraid to go to the police station or the hospital as she fears for her safety and reputation. She requests you to help her. 1 What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? 2. What are the possible options available to you to deal with this situation? 3. What would be your preferred course of action and why?

Case Study You are the district collector of a region known for its rich biodiversity and tribal communities. A major pharmaceutical company has approached the government with a proposal to establish a research facility in your district. The company claims they have discovered a rare plant species in the local forest that could potentially lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. They are offering significant economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure development. However, the proposed location for the facility would require clearing a portion of the forest that is considered sacred by the local tribal community and is home to several endangered species. The tribal leaders have expressed strong opposition to the project, citing their ancestral rights and the cultural significance of the land. Environmental activists are also protesting, warning about the potential ecological damage. On the other hand, many locals see this as an opportunity for employment and development in the economically backward region. As the district collector, you must decide whether to recommend approval for the project or reject it. Your decision will have far-reaching consequences for the local economy, environment, and cultural heritage of the tribal community. 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? 2. What ethical dilemmas do you face as the district collector in deciding whether to approve or reject the pharmaceutical company’s proposal? 3. What approach would you take to resolve this conflict, considering the competing interests of economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation?

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.

Case Study Dr. Ananya Rao is a senior drug regulator in a state where several pharmaceutical manufacturing units produce low-cost medicines, including paediatric cough syrups, for both domestic use and export. These medicines are widely used by economically weaker sections due to their affordability. Recently, reports emerged that a batch of cough syrups manufactured by a local company was linked to the deaths of several children after consumption. Preliminary investigations indicated the presence of toxic contaminants due to the use of substandard raw materials and poor quality control. International media coverage has raised serious concerns about India’s pharmaceutical regulatory standards, affecting the country’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world.” The manufacturing company claims that it complied with existing regulations and argues that stricter enforcement and frequent inspections would increase production costs, making medicines unaffordable for the poor and harming export competitiveness. Some political and industry stakeholders have informally urged Dr. Rao to avoid drastic action such as suspension of licenses, citing potential job losses, investor backlash, and diplomatic sensitivities. At the same time, families of the affected children are demanding accountability, criminal prosecution, and compensation. Public trust in the healthcare system and drug safety mechanisms is visibly eroding. Questions 1.Discuss the ethical dilemma between affordability of medicines, industrial growth, and the principle of ‘non malfiance’ in Bio ethics ethics. 2.What options are available to Dr. Ananya Rao in responding to this crisis? Evaluate the ethical merits and limitations of each option. 3.What course of action should Dr. Rao adopt to uphold medical ethics, accountability, and public interest while ensuring long-term credibility of the health system? Justify your answer.

Case Study Ananya Rao, an IPS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber & Internal Security), is deeply troubled by intelligence inputs indicating a sharp rise in white-collar terrorism driven by the radicalisation of highly educated youth. Several recent incidents highlight this trend: engineering graduates developing encrypted communication tools for a banned extremist network, a finance professional funnelling cryptocurrency to foreign terror groups, and university students circulating extremist literature under the defence of intellectual debate. Although strong digital evidence implicates certain tech entrepreneurs, academics, and online influencers in facilitating these activities, Ananya’s proposal for targeted surveillance, deplatforming recruiters, and initiating UAPA-based action faces intense criticism. Civil society groups accuse her of suppressing free speech and violating privacy norms. Influential educational institutions lobby political leadership to avoid “unnecessary scandal.” Media debates portray the crackdown as ideological policing rather than a national security imperative. Parents of the accused youth argue for leniency on the grounds of immaturity. At the same time, central intelligence agencies warn that inaction may enable the growth of a covert terror ecosystem capable of cyber sabotage, financial crimes, and ideological infiltration of campuses. Ananya is torn between protecting civil liberties and addressing an urgent security threat. Her decision carries the risks of public controversy, political backlash, and potential legal challenges, but delaying action could compromise public safety and embolden extremist networks. Questions: A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Ananya Rao in this situation? B. Identify and analyse the conflicting values and ethical principles involved in this case. C. Evaluate the possible courses of action available to Ananya and their likely consequences. D. Suggest the most ethical and administratively prudent course of action that balances civil liberties with the need to counter rising radicalisation and white-collar terrorism.