Blog Detail

  • Q.16 You are posted as a Circle Officer of X Revenue Circle’ in Y district. There is a public complaint filed against one of your Lat Mondals for demanding bribe in a mutation case. The Deputy Commissioner orders you to enquire and submit a report. When you begin the enquiry, you get evidence that the Lat Mondal did in fact demand bribe. However, the Lat Mondal is connected to a senior officer in the government who starts pressurising you to give clean chit to the said Lat MondaI.

    • 16,Jan 2025
    • Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
    • 0 Comments
    • APSC2022
    • GS4

    In this context, answer the following questions :

    (a) What are the ethical dilemmas that you are facing?                                                            

    (b) What are the various actions you can take in this case?                                                   

    (c) Discuss the ethical implications of each action.                                                                  

    (d) Which action will you finally choose and why?                                                                   


    As a Circle Officer, I am entrusted with maintaining transparency, integrity, and public trust in the functioning of the revenue system. Allegations of corruption, especially against staff members like the Lat Mondal, directly impact the credibility of governance. The evidence supporting the bribe demand coupled with external pressure from a senior officer to protect the accused presents a classic ethical dilemma, testing my commitment to fairness and accountability. Addressing this situation demands balancing legal responsibilities, institutional loyalty, and public welfare.

    Stakeholders Involved

    1. Citizens/Complainants: They expect justice, transparency, and a corruption-free governance system that ensures their rights are protected.
    2. Lat Mondal (Accused): The accused is entitled to a fair enquiry and must face accountability if proven guilty.
    3. Senior Officer: The officer applying pressure represents institutional power but risks undermining ethics and public trust.
    4. Deputy Commissioner: As the authority ordering the enquiry, the DC expects an objective report aligned with truth and justice.
    5. Public Administration: The credibility of the revenue office and governance system depends on how corruption is addressed.
    6. Circle Officer (You): Your decision reflects on your integrity, moral courage, and ability to uphold ethical governance.

    (a) Ethical Dilemmas Faced

    1. Integrity vs. Pressure: Balancing the duty to report truthfully against undue pressure from a senior officer.
    2. Public Trust vs. Institutional Loyalty: Protecting citizens’ faith in governance versus loyalty to superiors within the hierarchy.
    3. Fairness vs. Bias: Ensuring an unbiased enquiry despite external influence.
    4. Justice vs. Repercussions: Pursuing accountability while risking professional retaliation.
    5. Transparency vs. Reputational Damage: A truthful report may highlight corruption but could harm the office’s reputation temporarily.

    (b) Actions Available

    1. Submit a Truthful Report
      ○ Report the findings objectively, documenting the evidence against the Lat Mondal.
      ○ Pros: Upholds accountability and restores public trust.
      ○ Cons: Risks professional backlash from the senior officer.
    1. Succumb to Pressure
      ○ Give a clean chit to the Lat Mondal as per the senior officer’s instructions.
      ○ Pros: Protects career interests and avoids conflict.
      ○ Cons: Violates integrity, compromises public trust, and perpetuates corruption.

    2. Delay the Report
      ○ Postpone submitting the report while seeking advice or building a stronger case.
      ○ Pros: Provides time to strategize.
      ○ Cons: Appears evasive and delays justice.

    3. Escalate the Issue
      ○ Inform the Deputy Commissioner or Vigilance Department about undue pressure.
      ○ Pros: Demonstrates moral courage and strengthens institutional integrity.
      ○ Cons: Risks politicization of the issue and organizational conflicts.

    4. Request Transfer of the Case
      ○ Recuse yourself from the enquiry, citing inability to handle the pressure.
      ○ Pros: Avoids personal involvement.
      ○ Cons: Appears evasive, undermining your credibility and failing to address corruption.

    (c) Ethical Implications of Each Action

    1. Submitting a Truthful Report
      ○ Pros: Upholds integrity, accountability, and justice, setting an example for ethical governance.
      ○ Cons: Risks professional retaliation and potential challenges in career progression.

    2. Succumbing to Pressure
      ○ Pros: Maintains personal safety and professional relationships.
      ○ Cons: Compromises public trust, perpetuates a corrupt culture, and undermines your ethical standing.

    3. Delaying the Report
      ○ Pros: Allows time for strategic planning or higher-level intervention.
      ○ Cons: Delays justice and weakens accountability.

    4. Escalating the Issue
      ○ Pros: Reinforces moral courage and exposes systemic corruption.
      ○ Cons: Risks escalation, causing political or bureaucratic conflict.

    5. Requesting Transfer
      ○ Pros: Shields yourself from direct conflict.
      ○ Cons: Appears evasive and sets a poor example of responsibility.

    (d) Final Action and Justification

    Action Chosen: Submit a Truthful Report

    Justification:

    1. Upholds Integrity: Truthful reporting reflects adherence to ethical principles and strengthens governance.
    2. Accountability: Ensures that corruption is addressed, fostering public trust in the system.
    3. Long-Term Credibility: Documenting undue pressure protects your position and reinforces transparency.
    4. Role of Public Servants: As a public servant, your primary duty is to the citizens and the Constitution, not individuals misusing their power.

    Implementation Plan:

    1. Submit an objective report with all evidence of the Lat Mondal’s misconduct.
    2. Document and communicate the undue pressure faced during the enquiry to the Deputy Commissioner.
    3. Recommend necessary steps to address systemic issues, such as periodic audits and anti-corruption mechanisms.

    The action chosen reflects moral courage, commitment to justice, and adherence to ethical governance. By prioritizing the rule of law and public interest, the decision ensures that accountability and integrity are upheld, reinforcing trust in public administration. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The true measure of a man is how he behaves when faced with challenges.” This choice demonstrates the resolve to serve society ethically, despite external pressures.

  • Get your free e-book

  • Should be Empty:
  • Free Counselling

  • Should be Empty:
  • STAY UPDATED

    Please fill this form to get updated
  • Should be Empty:
Call Now