In the religious land of India, there exists the exploitative custom of sexual slavery known as the Jogini system (a local variation of the Devadasi system) which involves marrying young girls to a deity. This social evil has resisted the legal measures aimed at curbing it till date, despite having been prohibited as per the Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act. You are posted as a District Magistrate and you get to know about such practice taking place in the area of your jurisdiction. Two Dalit girls have been confined and being prepared for dedication to God as devadasis. The children are forced into becoming Devadasis by their own parents because girls are their only source of income in most cases. In a society where a girl child is often considered a liability, turning them into Devadasis is how patriarchy works to transform them into assets. You also get to know of child prostitution being practiced in the name of Devadasi. (a) What course of action will you take in such a scenario? (b) What are the issues involved in banning the practice of Devadasi system, in spite of the laws already present against it?

Case Study A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earn substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company. (a) What action do you visualise should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in the domestic market? (b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

Case Study Farmers and their families have been protesting on the interstate border of Delhi for months, camped out on roads demonstrating over the government's new farm laws which they think will ruin their livelihoods. Farmer unions and their representatives have demanded that the laws be repealed and have stated that they will not accept a compromise. Farmer leaders have welcomed the Supreme Court of India stay order on the implementation of the farm laws but rejected the committee appointed by the Supreme Court. Farmer leaders have also rejected a government proposal of suspending the laws for 18 months. Eleven rounds of talks have taken place between the central government and farmers represented by the farm unions; all were inconclusive. The protesting farmers sometimes turn violent and damage public property in the guise of peaceful protest. A number of telecom towers of a particular company and other infrastructure were also damaged. The roads approaching to Delhi have been turned into protesting sites and are blocked by protesters causing nuisance to passengers and local population. However supporters of the laws say improvements are badly needed, as thousands of farmers are struggling. What are the ethical issues in the case? Discuss the different options available and how will you respond in this case?

Case Study You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in an industrial region where a large number of small-scale brick kilns operate. Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued strict directions to shut down all kilns that do not comply with new environmental norms, including the adoption of zig-zag technology to reduce air pollution. Inspections reveal that nearly 60% of the kilns in your jurisdiction are non-compliant. While implementing the order, you receive representations from kiln owners stating that they lack the financial capacity to upgrade their technology immediately. Workers employed in these kilns, many of whom are migrant laborers, fear sudden unemployment and loss of livelihood. Local political representatives are also pressuring you to delay enforcement, citing possible social unrest and economic distress in the region. At the same time, environmental groups and public health activists are demanding strict and immediate action, highlighting the severe air pollution and its impact on public health, especially children and the elderly. You are aware that non-compliance with NGT orders may invite legal consequences and reflect poorly on your administrative integrity, while strict enforcement may lead to economic hardship and social tensions. Questions: Q1. What are the key ethical issues involved in this situation? Q2. What are the options available to you in handling this situation? Critically evaluate each option. Q3. What course of action would you adopt and how would you balance environmental responsibility with socio-economic concerns?

Case Study Siddhant and his family were very excited about his marriage ceremony, as after a very long time a marriage was taking place in their family. But as soon as Siddhant reached marriage venue, he saw that the band arranged by the bride’s side had many child laborers who were involved with the band. Excited Siddhant suddenly turned into a conflicted Siddhartha, as being a labor commissioner it was his duty to stop such violation of law. He pondered over it, and thought of many options like arranging a new band immediately, giving notice to the band owner for engaging in such conduct and filing a case against them. But, Siddhant ultimately proceeded with the wedding thinking that it will ruin the most important day in his life. (a) Was Siddhant right in his conduct? (b) If you would have been in place of Siddhant, amongst the options pondered by him what would have been your course of action?