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07 Aug 2025
GS Paper 4
Case Studies
Day 46: You are Anand, an honest Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a semi-urban region of a state where illegal sand mining is controlled by a well-organized mafia. A junior revenue inspector, recently transferred to your division, confidentially informs you about daily truckloads of illegally mined sand being moved at night, with the connivance of local police and panchayat officials.
You plan a night raid and seize multiple vehicles and detain some contractors. The next day, a local MLA publicly criticizes you and accuses you of harassment and corruption. You’re informed through unofficial channels that your transfer file is being prepared in the Secretariat.
Simultaneously, social media is lauding you as a “model officer”, and citizens in the area begin a small movement against sand mafia influence. However, your family back home begins receiving threatening messages, and your junior officer now wants to withdraw his testimony.A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Anand?
B. Evaluate the possible options before him, including:
a. Continuing the crackdown alone
b. Requesting central/state protection and escalating the issue
c. Seeking a discreet transfer while filing a confidential report
C. What decision would you take? Justify it with reference to the foundational values of civil service. (250 words)
Approach :
- Briefly introduce the situation to establish context.
- Identify the ethical conflicts faced by Anand in the current situation.
- Evaluate the given possible options before him.
- Recommend the suitable course of action.
- Justify it with reference to the foundational values of civil service.
- Conclude with a suitable way forward.
Introduction:
As Anand, the SDM, I confronted a sand mining mafia colluding with local police and panchayat officials. Acting on a junior inspector’s tip, I conducted a night raid, seized trucks, and detained contractors. This led to backlash—a local MLA accused me of harassment and corruption, and my transfer is underway. While social media hails me as a “model officer” and citizens mobilize against the mafia, my family faces threats and my junior officer is reluctant to support the case.
Body :
A.Key Ethical Dilemmas
- Duty vs. Personal Safety: Enforcing the law despite risks to self and family.
- Integrity vs. Political Pressure: Upholding justice amid accusations and retaliation.
- Justice vs. Systemic Corruption: Fighting illegal mining with the involvement of police and officials.
- Transparency vs. Discretion: Whether to escalate the issue publicly or act quietly.
- Courage vs. Pragmatism: Balancing moral courage with practical safety considerations.
B.Options and Their Consequences
- Option A: Continue Crackdown Alone
- Pros: Demonstrates integrity, maintains public trust.
- Cons: High personal and family risk, possible isolation, and administrative retaliation.
- Option B: Request Central/State Protection and Escalate
- Pros: Protects personal safety, gains institutional backing, and strengthens the crackdown.
- Cons: Political tensions, bureaucratic delays are possible.
- Option C: Seek Discreet Transfer with Confidential Report
- Pros: Ensures family safety, avoids direct confrontation, preserves evidence.
- Cons: May appear as surrender, slows enforcement momentum, risks loss of public trust.
C.Recommended Course of Action
- Choose Option B: request central/state protection and escalate to higher authorities.
- File a detailed, evidence-based report to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Maintain engagement with civil society and media to sustain public pressure.
- Balance moral courage with prudent use of institutional support to reduce risks.
Justification Based on Civil Service Values
- Integrity: Enforce the law without fear or favor.
- Impartiality: Fight corruption fairly.
- Accountability: Report truthfully and seek institutional support.
- Courage: Stand firm against threats for the public good.
- Responsiveness: Act decisively to protect citizens and resources.
Conclusion:
According to Immanuel Kant’s deontological ethics, Anand must act out of a sense of duty and adhere to universal moral laws such as honesty, justice, and integrity. Even in the face of threats and political pressure, his actions should be guided by principles that can be willed as a universal standard, upholding the rule of law and moral responsibility.
