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?

Case Study Priya, a dedicated IPS officer known for her integrity, is appointed as the Superintendent of Police in a district with a high crime rate and significant political interference. Despite facing frequent transfers, she uncovers evidence of the local MLA’s involvement in a human trafficking ring. The MLA has strong ties with the state's Home Minister, complicating her efforts to act without political pressure. A senior journalist offers Priya additional incriminating information and proposes publishing an exposé if she confirms the investigation. He hints that it could boost her career and secure a prestigious posting. However, Priya is wary of potential professional retaliation, the journalist's motives, and the risk of compromising the investigation by leaking details prematurely. She faces a dilemma between taking bold action or protecting the integrity of the investigation. 1. What are the stakeholders involved in the situation? 2. What are the ethical dilemmas in front of Priya? 3. As a principled police officer, what options are available to Priya in this situation, and which course of action would be the most appropriate?

Case Study Your friend Ritwik hails from a village whose surrounding areas were submerged due to floods during the monsoon last year. Government assisted the affected people by giving them cash doles to purchase household goods, seeds to replant crop and cash to compensate for loss of standing crop. Ritwik had his house site on high ground and suffered no loss of personal effects. Luckily, his agricultural land being relatively far away from the flooded river escaped the ravages of the flood. Normally, government machinery is unable to thoroughly assess the damage suffered by each individual family. As a result, people take advantage by making extravagant and often fictitious claims. Ritwik has made false claims like others in the village. As a close friend of Ritwik, what do you think about his action? Is it a right thing to do? what would be your appropriate response to Ritwik’s conduct?

You are an auditor with a government department. Your son is starting a business and for that, he needs a large amount of loan from a bank you are auditing. But he couldn’t secure a loan from the bank because of his bad CIBIL score. Moreover, you cannot take the loan as the amount far exceeds your salary range. When you scrutinize the accounts of the bank, you find that its balance sheet has hidden stressed assets. However, one Assistant General Manager of the bank offers you help in return of favour that you do not reveal the balance sheet of the bank. What are the values in conflict in the above situation? What are the various options before you? Also, provide justification for each of the option.

Case Study You are the head of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that offers palliative care to cancer patients from the poor sections of the society. Since the last few months funding for your noble cause is dwindling due to which you are not able to fulfill the needs of the dependent people. One day, you are contacted by the owner of a big tobacco company who is willing to fund your NGO because he has to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) targets. However, over the years working with cancer patients you have developed a deep hatred for tobacco companies. Now, the owner’s offer has put you in a moral dilemma. On the one side, you detest the thought of accepting support from a company that is doling out cancer through its products, and on the other hand, you feel that the company's aid is a godsend opportunity for your NGO to provide better care to patients. (a) What are the various ethical issues involved here? (b) Will it be morally right for you to accept money from the tobacco company?

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 Ms. Kavya Iyer is serving as the District Magistrate of a rapidly urbanising district. Recently, a video clip went viral on social media allegedly showing police personnel using excessive force against a group of migrant workers protesting delayed wages at a construction site. Within hours, the issue gained national attention. Several media channels began running prime-time debates accusing the district administration of human rights violations. Hashtags demanding suspension of officials started trending online. Civil society groups organised protests, demanding immediate action. However, a preliminary internal report suggests that the video clip is selectively edited and does not capture the full sequence of events. According to field officers, the situation had turned violent, and minimal force was used to control the mob and prevent damage to public property. Meanwhile, political leaders from opposition parties visit the site and publicly criticise the administration, demanding immediate suspension of the police officers involved. On the other hand, police officials feel demoralised and argue that any punitive action without a fair inquiry will undermine morale and embolden lawbreakers. The State Government informally advises Ms. Iyer to take “quick visible action” to control the narrative and prevent escalation, even if the facts are not fully verified. At the same time, there are genuine concerns about delayed wage payments to migrant workers, which triggered the protest in the first place. Ms. Iyer must decide how to respond to the situation, balancing truth, justice, public perception, and administrative responsibility. Questions 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Ms. Iyer? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. What should be the most appropriate course of action for Ms. Iyer? Justify your answer in terms of ethical values, administrative neutrality, and public trust.