Case Study You are an officer working for the fire department in a city. One day, a massive fire breaks out in a building belonging to a coaching institute having classrooms where more than 1000 students are stranded. Also, the building lacks proper fire safety measures and adequate exits. Panic ensues as students inside the building desperately try to escape the flames and smoke, resulting in some individuals resorting to jumping off the building to save themselves. As you arrive at the scene, you are faced with the following dilemmas: (a) How do you prioritize the rescue operations, given the limited resources and time available? (b) How do you deal with the ethical and legal implications of the building owner’s negligence and violation of fire safety norms? (c) How do you handle the emotional and psychological impact of witnessing such a tragic incident on yourself and your team members?

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 After serving two decades in the State Civil Services, Abhishek, a seasoned officer, is posted to the capital of a border state. His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment at a renowned cancer hospital in the city. His adolescent children have also secured admissions to a prestigious public school in the area. As Abhishek settles into his new role as the Director of the Home Department, he receives an alarming intelligence report revealing that illegal migrants are infiltrating the state from a neighboring country. Concerned, he decides to personally oversee a surprise inspection of the border posts with his team. During the inspection, Abhishek uncovers two families, 12 individuals in total, caught crossing the border with the assistance of corrupt border security personnel. Further investigation reveals that these migrants, after entering the country, had forged crucial identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards, enabling them to settle in a specific area of the state. Abhishek meticulously documents his findings in a comprehensive report and submits it to the Additional Secretary of the State. A week later, Abhishek is summoned by the Additional Home Secretary, who instructs him to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informs him that the report has not been well-received by higher authorities and warns him that failing to comply could result in his removal from the prestigious post in the state capital and jeopardize his forthcoming promotion. Questions: (a) What ethical dilemmas is Abhishek facing in this situation? (b) What choices does Abhishek have in his position as Director of the Home Department in a border state? And critically analyze each possible option. (c) Which option should Abhishek choose, and why? (d) Critically analyze each possible option.

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?