Case Study You serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a startup business that is gaining recognition in the industry. Mr. Anuj, a well-known performer, is in charge of the marketing department. He has contributed to the company's revenues by more than doubling in just one year, and you are considering giving him a promotion because of this. However, you have heard rumours regarding his behaviour with his female coworkers, specifically his propensity for making crude remarks about women, from a variety of sources. Additionally, he frequently sends lewd SMS messages to the entire team, including his female coworkers. One day, Mrs. Akshita, a member of Mr. Anuj's team, comes to you in the late evening, clearly upset. She complains about Mr. Anuj's ongoing inappropriate behaviour because he has been making unwanted overtures toward her and even attempting to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She steps down from her position and departs your workplace. (20 marks | 250 words) (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.

Case Study Abhishek Singh hails from an influential family of landlords. Being educated in Delhi in a top notch college he developed a preference for the civil services and got selected in the IRS and joined as an Income Tax Officer. Even after joining civil service he could not control the nightlife culture of visiting discotheque and night clubs with friends and getting inebriated. Nowadays he is invariably out every weekend and can never come punctually to the office. Monday mornings are important in his office because the Commissioner takes a review of results achieved in the last week and plans for the ensuing week. Being late in the office every time, he tries to fabricate a story and explain the delay. His overall performance being good he has not attracted adverse notice of the bosses yet, but his immediate subordinates know why he is late. What are the ethical issues involved in the present case? What are the alternatives available to Abhishek and choose the most appropriate alternative.

Case Study Dr. Neha Kapoor, a medical professional turned District Magistrate, is posted in a semi-urban district that has recently witnessed a sudden outbreak of a highly infectious respiratory disease. Within days, government hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, ICU beds are scarce, and there is an acute shortage of oxygen cylinders and life-saving medicines. The district administration receives an emergency consignment of oxygen and critical drugs from the State government. However, the supply is far below the actual demand. Doctors on the ground inform Dr. Kapoor that they are being forced to make difficult choices about which patients should receive treatment, often prioritising those with higher chances of survival. Meanwhile, influential individuals, including local politicians and wealthy citizens, begin pressuring the administration to reserve beds and oxygen supplies for their families and associates. Some private hospitals are also accused of hoarding essential medicines and overcharging patients. On the other hand, frontline healthcare workers are exhausted and demoralised. They demand clear guidelines for triage and protection from legal or political backlash arising from life-and-death decisions. Media coverage intensifies, highlighting both the suffering of patients and alleged administrative lapses. Public anger is rising, and there is a growing perception that access to healthcare is becoming inequitable. Dr. Kapoor must take urgent decisions regarding allocation of scarce medical resources, regulation of private healthcare providers, and protection of frontline workers—while ensuring fairness, transparency, and public trust. Questions 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Dr. Kapoor? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. What should be the most ethical course of action for Dr. Kapoor? Justify your answer in the context of public health ethics and administrative responsibility.

Case Study Arun Mehta, an IAS officer serving as the Municipal Commissioner of a rapidly urbanising metropolitan city, is deeply concerned about the alarming rise in deaths and respiratory illnesses linked to deteriorating air quality. Recent reports from the State Pollution Control Board and a reputed medical institute reveal that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are consistently 4–5 times higher than permissible limits, with a sharp increase in lung diseases among children and the elderly. Despite these warnings, several influential construction firms and transport unions continue to flout dust control, emission, and waste disposal norms. When Arun proposes stricter enforcement and temporary shutdowns of polluting construction sites, he faces severe resistance from local politicians and business lobbies, who argue that such actions would “hurt development and employment.” Some media outlets label his measures as “anti-growth.” Environmental NGOs and citizen groups urge immediate action, citing the constitutional right to a healthy environment under Article 21. At the same time, municipal employees complain of inadequate protective gear and poor coordination among departments. The state government, fearing public outrage, forms a committee to “study the issue,” delaying concrete action. Arun must now decide whether to take strong punitive measures against violators and enforce pollution control norms strictly, or adopt a gradual approach to avoid confrontation with vested interests and political backlash. His decision will test his administrative courage, ethical conviction, and sense of duty toward public welfare. Questions: 1. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Arun Mehta 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 Arun and their likely consequences. 4. Suggest the most ethical and administratively sound course of action that balances environmental protection with developmental needs.