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 You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a rapidly urbanising district. The State Government has approved a large urban infrastructure project involving construction of affordable housing and commercial complexes under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. One of the shortlisted private firms is owned by a close relative of your spouse. The firm has a strong technical record and offers the lowest financial bid. While the rules do not explicitly bar participation of relatives, media reports have begun questioning the transparency of the selection process. At the same time, senior political executives informally indicate that clearing the project quickly is crucial for economic growth and employment generation. Delaying or recusing yourself may slow the project and invite allegations of inefficiency. Your subordinates are divided, some argue that merit should prevail, while others warn that public perception of bias could damage the administration’s credibility. Questions: 1. Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case. 2.What options are available to you as the District Magistrate? 3.Which course of action would you choose and justify your decision on ethical grounds. 4.How can institutional mechanisms be strengthened to prevent such dilemmas in public administration?

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?

Case Study Ms. Leena Chatterjee is serving as a Principal Secretary (Urban Development) in a State that has committed to ambitious climate-resilient infrastructure targets. A flagship metro rail extension project—partially funded by an international development agency—has reached an advanced stage. An internal audit flags that while the project complies with existing environmental clearances, it falls short of newly issued climate-adaptation guidelines that recommend additional flood-resilience features. Incorporating these measures would significantly raise costs and delay completion by at least a year. The funding agency has informally indicated that continued financing depends on timely delivery, not retroactive compliance. At the same time, climate scientists and civil society groups warn that ignoring the updated standards could expose future commuters to serious risks. Political executives emphasise the urgency of inaugurating the project before the next election cycle, while senior bureaucrats caution that reopening approvals could trigger litigation and administrative paralysis. Questions. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Ms. Chatterjee? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. Which course of action should Ms. Chatterjee adopt to balance public interest, sustainability, and administrative responsibility? Justify your answer.

Gauav successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the service, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Gaurav brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all the things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Gaurav felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?

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.

Case Study You are the Sarpanch of a Panchayat. There is a primary school run by the government in your area. Midday meals are provided to the children attending the school. The Headmaster has now appointed a new cook in the school to prepare the meals. However, when it is found that the cook is from Dalit community, almost half of the children belonging to higher castes are not allowed to take meals by their parents. Consequently the attendance in the school falls sharply. This could result in the possibility of discontinuation of midday meal scheme, thereafter of teaching staff and subsequent closing down the school. (a) Mention ethical issues of the case and also discuss some feasible strategies to overcome the conflict and to create the right ambience. (b) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambience for accepting such changes?