Case Study You are serving as the District Magistrate of a coastal district where a major port-led industrial corridor project has been proposed to boost exports, infrastructure and employment generation. The project has strong support from the state government and industry groups, who argue that delays could affect investment inflows and regional development. However, the project area includes ecologically sensitive coastal wetlands and fishing villages dependent on marine resources for livelihood. Environmental experts have warned that large-scale construction may increase coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and long-term disaster vulnerability in a cyclone-prone region. During consultations, local communities raise concerns regarding displacement, inadequate rehabilitation and loss of traditional livelihoods, while many unemployed youth support the project for economic opportunities. You also discover that certain environmental clearances were expedited under administrative pressure and that some officials are reluctant to formally record objections despite serious concerns. Meanwhile, media narratives have become polarised, portraying the administration either as anti-development or insensitive to environmental and social justice concerns. Questions: 1. Identify the ethical issues and conflicting values involved in the case. 2. What are the options available to you? Evaluate their merits and demerits. 3. What course of action would you adopt to balance developmental needs, environmental sustainability and social justice?

Case Study You are the Superintendent of Police in a city that has been experiencing rising incidents of online harassment targeting women. A recent case has attracted significant public and media attention: a young woman has committed suicide after being repeatedly harassed and blackmailed online. An investigation revealed that the harassment was carried out by a group of influential individuals, including the son of a prominent politician. When you initiate action against the accused, you receive immense political pressure to slow down or drop the investigation. A senior politician contacts you directly, reminding you of your career prospects and how this case could harm your professional growth if you refuse to cooperate. At the same time, the victim's family is seeking justice, and activists have begun to protest in large numbers, demanding accountability. The media is closely watching the developments, and public sentiment is strongly in favor of justice. However, the pressure from influential circles is mounting, and you risk being transferred or sidelined if you pursue the investigation aggressively. Questions: 1. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? 2. As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you take, and why? 3. Discuss the importance of integrity and accountability in public service, using this case as a reference.

Case Study You are a senior officer in a state government responsible for overseeing appointments to key public positions. Recently, the government has initiated a recruitment process for a high-ranking post in the education department, critical for implementing the state's education reforms. The selection committee has shortlisted two candidates. One is highly qualified with an impeccable track record, but they have been vocal in criticizing some government policies. The second candidate is less experienced but enjoys strong political backing and is perceived as loyal to the ruling party. You are aware that the first candidate could significantly contribute to the education sector's growth due to his expertise, but his independent stance might lead to friction with the political leadership. On the other hand, selecting the second candidate could ensure smoother relations with the political leadership but may compromise the quality of governance. Your decision will have a lasting impact on the state's education policy and its future outcomes. 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation? 2. What are ethical dilemmas in this case and what principles will guide your decision in this scenario? 3. How would you balance professional competence and political considerations in making a fair and just decision?

Case Study Ashok, an IAS officer posted as the District Magistrate in a riverine district, has been facing mounting challenges due to rampant illegal sand mining along the riverbanks. Despite a ban during the monsoon season and strict environmental regulations, sand extraction continues unabated, driven by a nexus between local contractors, transporters, and influential political figures. The illegal mining has caused severe environmental degradation, including riverbank erosion, falling groundwater levels, and damage to aquatic ecosystems. It has also led to frequent road accidents due to the overloading of trucks and the loss of government revenue. Ashok’s administration has conducted several raids, seized vehicles, and filed FIRs, but the operations have met with strong resistance. Local miners, backed by political patrons, have staged protests accusing the administration of “anti-development” actions. Some officers in his team have received threats, and a few have even hinted that confronting the sand mafia could cost them their safety or postings. Meanwhile, honest junior officers look up to Ashok for moral leadership, while local media and environmental activists demand tougher action and transparency. The state government, citing the importance of construction material for infrastructure projects, has asked Ashok to “avoid confrontation” and maintain law and order. However, environmental damage continues, and the judiciary has recently sought a report on compliance with mining regulations. Questions: A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ashok in this situation? B. Evaluate the options available to him and their possible consequences. C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ashok based on environmental ethics and administrative accountability. D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to curb illegal sand mining while balancing development and environmental protection.

Case Study There is a disaster-prone state having frequent landslides, forest fires, cloudbursts, flash floods and earthquakes, etc. Some of these are seasonal and often unpredictable. The magnitude of the disaster is always unanticipated. During one of the seasons a cloudburst caused devastating floods and landslides leading to high causalities. There was major damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges and power generating units. This led to more than a lakh pilgrims, tourists and other locals trapped across different routes and locations. The people trapped in your area of responsibility includes senior citizens, patients in hospitals, women and children, hikers, tourists, ruling party’s regional president along with his family, additional chief secretary of the neighboring state and prisoners in jail. As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would rescue these people and why? Give justifications.

Suppose you are an officer-in-charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquirers also show that she is really destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? Give your reasons for it.

Case Study Ritika, an IAS officer posted as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in a state department, has been facing mounting challenges due to widespread mismanagement in handling RTI requests. Citizens frequently report delays exceeding statutory limits, incomplete disclosures, and arbitrary denials citing vague exemptions. Several RTI applications relate to public procurement, environmental clearances, and fund utilization, raising concerns about corruption and administrative opacity. Despite repeated reminders and follow-ups, the backlog of pending RTI cases has grown substantially. Some senior officials in the department discourage timely compliance, fearing that disclosure might expose irregularities and implicate influential contractors or political patrons. A few junior officers have expressed fear that strict adherence to the RTI Act could attract harassment, transfers, or litigation. Meanwhile, civil society organizations and media outlets demand transparency, timely responses, and public accountability. The state government, concerned about negative publicity and political fallout, has subtly instructed Ritika to “avoid unnecessary disclosure” and focus on maintaining departmental harmony. At the same time, the Central Information Commission and local courts are actively monitoring compliance, with some PILs filed questioning delays and partial disclosures. Questions: A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ritika in this situation? B. Evaluate the options available to her and their possible consequences. C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ritika based on administrative accountability and citizen-centric governance. D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to improve RTI implementation, reduce backlogs, and protect officials from retaliation while ensuring transparency and participatory governance.