Mains Marathon

Day 47: You are the District Magistrate of a city with a history of communal sensitivity. Recently, during a religious procession, an altercation broke out between members of two communities over the route passing through a disputed area. The incident quickly escalated, with stone-pelting reported from both sides, leading to injuries and damage to property. Social media posts,many of them fake or exaggerated,have gone viral, further inflaming sentiments.

Local markets have shut down, and fear has gripped the residents. Several political leaders are making provocative statements to consolidate their respective vote banks. Intelligence reports warn that if the situation is not contained within the next 24 hours, the unrest could spread to neighbouring districts. Religious leaders from both sides have expressed distrust in the administration, accusing it of bias in handling the initial skirmish.

The police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144, but there is pressure from higher authorities to restore normalcy quickly to avoid economic disruption. Meanwhile, human rights activists are cautioning against excessive use of force, and the media is aggressively covering the events, often focusing on the most sensational aspects.

In this tense atmosphere, you must decide how to defuse the immediate crisis while ensuring that communal harmony is restored in the long run. Any misstep could either lead to charges of inaction or accusations of heavy-handedness.

A. Identify the ethical issues and administrative challenges in this case.

B. How would you manage law and order without violating civil liberties?

C. What measures would you take to counter misinformation and rebuild trust between communities?

D. Which values and principles of public service would guide you in making impartial and effective decisions in this sensitive situation? (250 words)