You are District Magistrate of a flood-prone district. The flood control department has allocated forty crore rupees for building embankments in the low lying area of the river bed. There have been various complaints from locals over the delay in project completion, violations of rules and misuse of funds by the nexus of politicians and contractors. During monsoon, the embankment construction couldn’t withstand a single season of flooding. This has led to the submergence of many villages in floodwater and thousands of people are trapped in the villages. The villages are completely cut off and there is a scarcity of food and drinking water. Due to water stagnation, there is also a risk of epidemic spread in the region. There is huge discontent and protest over the allegation of corruption against the local politician. As he is a popular face of ruling political party in the state, there is severe pressure from political heads to cover the corruption issue. Defying the orders of political bosses will bring wrath towards you and may also lead to transfer. 1. As a District Magistrate what will be your course of action to manage the situation in the district. (200 words) 2. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis involved in the issue. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis.

Case Study As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in a metropolitan city, you oversee the implementation of an AI-based Facial Recognition System (FRS) designed to track criminals and prevent crimes. The system, installed across public spaces, has been instrumental in reducing theft, identifying suspects, and solving pending cases. However, concerns have emerged regarding false positives, privacy violations, and potential biases in the AI’s algorithm. Recently, the system flagged Ravi, a 22-year-old college student, for allegedly being present at a protest that turned violent. Based on the AI-generated report, Ravi was briefly detained for questioning, despite his insistence that he was not involved. His family and civil society groups argue that he was misidentified due to a technical error in the AI system. Investigations reveal that multiple individuals from marginalized backgrounds have been disproportionately flagged, raising concerns about bias in AI-driven policing. The city’s administration is now divided. Some officials advocate for pausing the AI project for an independent review, citing privacy concerns and wrongful detentions. Others argue that the benefits outweigh the risks and that AI errors can be rectified over time. Meanwhile, public outrage over Ravi’s case is growing, and the police department's credibility is at stake. Questions: A. How can law enforcement balance the benefits of AI-driven facial recognition with concerns over false positives, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias? B. What ethical principles should guide law enforcement in deploying AI tools, particularly in ensuring non-discrimination and protecting marginalized communities? C. What legal, procedural, and technological safeguards should be implemented to ensure AI-driven policing remains transparent, fair, and accountable?

Several villages in Jharkhand have resorted to Pathalgarhi – a tribal tradition of erecting stone slabs to demarcate the area of their villages’ jurisdiction, declaring their autonomy and self-rule in the areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. In these localities, no outsider including the government servants is allowed. From various sources, it has come to be known that tribals are not happy with the state and central government as they feel ignored, marginalized and have been experiencing the plunder of their resources on which traditionally they enjoyed control. They hold new laws and developmental activities responsible for their plight. Suppose you are a DM in one such affected district where this movement is going on, what strategies will you adopt to tackle the issues on short term as well as long term basis. Give justification for your strategies.

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 Mr. Vivek Deshmukh is the District Magistrate of a mineral-rich district where the State Government has approved a large infrastructure project, a multi-purpose industrial corridor expected to generate employment, boost regional development, and attract investment. The project requires acquisition of a large tract of land, a significant portion of which belongs to small and marginal farmers, as well as forest land traditionally used by tribal communities for livelihood and cultural practices. The government has offered compensation as per legal provisions, along with promises of rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and skill development. While some landowners are willing to accept compensation, a substantial section of tribal communities and farmers are resisting the acquisition. They argue that the compensation does not reflect the long-term value of their land and that monetary payments cannot substitute their cultural and livelihood ties to the land. Civil society groups have joined the protest, raising concerns about displacement, environmental degradation, and violation of tribal rights. At the same time, the State Government is keen to fast-track the project, viewing it as a flagship initiative with potential political and economic benefits. Senior officials informally advise Mr. Deshmukh to “ensure smooth acquisition” and avoid delays. There are also reports that some local intermediaries are trying to manipulate consent records and pressure villagers into signing agreements. Meanwhile, the region suffers from chronic underdevelopment, lack of employment, poor infrastructure, and migration, which the project aims to address. Delaying or cancelling the project could deprive the region of much-needed economic opportunities. Mr. Deshmukh must decide how to proceed with land acquisition while balancing development goals, rights of affected communities, and ethical governance. Questions 1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case? 2. What options are available to Mr. Deshmukh? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. 3. What should be the most ethical course of action for Mr. Deshmukh? Justify your answer in terms of justice, equity, and sustainable development.

Case Study In a horrific incident which sparked outrage in your district, a 17-year-old girl, on her way to school with her younger sister, was attacked with an acid-like substance by two men on a motorcycle near her home. She sustained severe injuries on her face, neck and eyes, currently she is being treated at the Hospital. She comes from a very humble family and her family looked up to her for alleviating them from poverty. Further, the incident has once again brought back to focus the heinous crime of acid attacks and the easy availability of corrosive substances, therefore, people are anguished and have started protesting and demanding the death penalty for the culprits. As a district magistrate, what would you do to resolve the situation? What steps would you take to stop easy availability of hazardous substances?