Case Study You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a tribal-dominated district. The Union Government has sanctioned a massive, multi-crore infrastructure project—a strategic greenfield expressway—that passes directly through your district. The project is critical for regional economic growth and national security connectivity. However, the proposed alignment cuts through an ecologically sensitive forest zone and requires the displacement of three ancient tribal villages. These tribes are deeply connected to the land, which holds immense cultural and religious significance for them. Under the law, the project requires approval from the local Gram Sabhas (village councils), but the tribal elders are vehemently opposing the acquisition, fearing loss of livelihood, identity, and exploitation. The situation escalates when a local NGO takes up their cause, triggering widespread protests. A video of a tribal elder weeping before local authorities goes viral on social media, causing nationwide public outrage. Meanwhile, you receive a call from the State’s Chief Secretary, emphasizing that any delay in land acquisition will lead to a massive escalation in project costs and lapse of central funds. The ruling political leadership expects you to "manage the situation swiftly" using administrative force if necessary to disperse protesters and secure the land, as elections are just six months away. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by you as the District Magistrate in this situation. (b) Evaluate the options available to you to handle this crisis. (c) Propose a comprehensive course of action that balances development goals with ethical governance and constitutional obligations toward vulnerable communities.

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.

Pawan is pursuing MBA and shares a room with you in the private hostel. He desperately needs a job after completing his course because of educational loan and weak economic background. In his last two semesters, he couldn’t secure good grades due to serious illness. In current semester he has to secure good marks at any cost to satisfy minimum criteria for placements. Few days before the final semester exam, he comes to you and asks for money. He is stressed and nervous. He tells you about his plan to purchase semester papers to clear the exam and convinces you for the same by giving reference to his bad health, family status and his education loan. In such circumstances, would it be right to lend money to him? (a) Identify the moral dilemma faced by you. (b) Analyse your role and duties as a friend, also suggest your course of action.

You are a Superintendent of Police in a district where caste-based discrimination is rampant. In a recent case, members from the Dalit community were prevented from cremating the body of an old woman from their community at the public crematorium. People belonging to the dominant upper caste community have destroyed the funeral pyre and have allegedly threatened the family of the deceased. After the police intervention, the Dalits staged a protest and the body was cremated on the ground in front of the residence of MLA of the region, who also belongs to the dominant community. In the process of investigation, you come to know that not only family members of the MLA but some of your relatives too have been involved in the destruction of the funeral pyre. What will be the possible ethical dilemmas that you might face? What will be your course of action? Justify.

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 rapidly urbanizing district. A large government housing project is under construction to provide affordable homes to economically weaker sections. The project is being executed by a private contractor under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. One evening, a section of an under-construction residential block collapses, leading to the death of five workers and injuring many others. A preliminary investigation suggests that poor-quality construction materials were used. Further, it is revealed that the project approval process had several irregularities, including the violation of environmental clearance norms and unauthorized expansion beyond the sanctioned plan. The project was approved under the tenure of your predecessor, who is now a senior bureaucrat in the state government. As you begin an in-depth inquiry, you receive immense pressure from multiple stakeholders. Senior officials advise you to avoid implicating your predecessor, arguing that it could tarnish the administration's reputation. The contractor, a politically well-connected businessman, offers you a lucrative post-retirement consultancy role in exchange for diluting the report. Additionally, local political leaders, citing the urgency of providing housing to the poor, urge you to let the project continue despite the lapses. Meanwhile, workers' unions and civil society groups demand strict action against those responsible. 1. Identify the ethical dilemmas in this case and analyze them using relevant ethical theories. 2. What course of action should you take to ensure accountability while balancing the interests of all stakeholders? 3. What policy recommendations can help prevent the recurrence of such infrastructure failures?

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.