- Filter By :
- Theoretical Questions
- Case Studies
-
You are Anil, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently posted as the District Election Officer (DEO) in a politically sensitive district. Elections are approaching in two weeks, and you are responsible for ensuring a free and fair process.
Over the last few days, you have received numerous complaints from political parties, civil society groups, and independent monitors alleging serious irregularities. Many genuine voters’ names have been mysteriously deleted from the rolls, while fake entries and names of deceased individuals remain. The ruling party’s candidates are accused of misusing government vehicles, welfare schemes, and public funds for campaigning. In certain constituencies, reports suggest the use of musclemen to intimidate opposition workers and voters. Some lower-level election staff appear partisan and are suspected of colluding with influential candidates. There are also widespread allegations of the distribution of cash, liquor, and freebies to buy votes.
When you bring these matters to the notice of senior officials, you are told to treat them as “minor operational issues” and not escalate the situation. Political leaders caution you that strict action might trigger unrest, lead to violence, and invite adverse consequences for your career and family. At the same time, civil society groups, the Election Commission’s observers, and sections of the media are demanding accountability and strict enforcement of electoral laws.
The stakes are high. On one hand, your duty is to uphold the sanctity of elections as the bedrock of democracy. On the other hand, you face the risk of political retaliation, career setbacks, and personal threats if you pursue the matter with full transparency.
Questions
A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Anil in this situation?
B. Evaluate the different options available to him and the possible consequences of each option.
C. Suggest the best course of action for Anil in light of constitutional values, ethical reasoning, and principles of good governance.
D. How can systemic reforms be introduced to reduce such electoral malpractices in the long run? (250 words)
26 Sep, 2025 GS Paper 4 Case StudiesIntroduction:
Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, reflecting the collective will of the people. As District Election Officer (DEO), Anil holds the constitutional responsibility to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections under Article 324. However, widespread allegations of electoral malpractices, including voter roll manipulation, misuse of government resources, intimidation, and bribery, pose severe ethical dilemmas.
Body :
A. Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Anil
- Duty vs. Personal Risk: Upholding election integrity may invite political retaliation, threats, or career setbacks.
- Impartiality vs. Pressure: Senior officials and ruling party leaders urge leniency, compromising impartial decision-making.
- Transparency vs. Public Order: Exposing irregularities could trigger unrest, yet ignoring them erodes trust in democratic institutions.
- Short-term vs. Long-term Democratic Health: Inaction may preserve immediate calm but jeopardizes electoral legitimacy over time.
B. Options and Consequences
Option A – Ignore Complaints:
- Pros: Avoids personal and political risks.
- Cons: Undermines democracy, violates constitutional duty, invites legal liability, and erodes public confidence.
Option B – Partial or Discreet Action:
- Pros: Mitigates immediate conflict; addresses some issues.
- Cons: Perceived bias; malpractices persist; ethical compromise.
Option C – Decisive and Transparent Action (Recommended):
- Pros: Upholds rule of law, strengthens democratic institutions, reinforces public trust.
- Cons: Personal threats, political backlash, potential unrest.
C. Recommended Course of Action
- Immediate Measures: Verify complaints, deploy neutral staff, and secure polling areas.
- Coordination with Election Commission: Formally report issues; request observer deployment and law enforcement support.
- Public Communication: Maintain cautious transparency to inform civil society and media, reducing misinformation.
- Ethical Justification: Grounded in constitutional duty, impartiality, and accountability, aligned with deontological ethics—duty prevails over fear of consequences.
D. Long-Term Systemic Reforms
- Digitized and Clean Voter Rolls: Aadhaar-linked verification to eliminate ghost and duplicate entries.
- Independent and Protected Election Staff: Rotations, strict conduct codes, and protection from political influence.
- Strict Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct: Penalize misuse of resources, vote-buying, and intimidation.
- Transparency Measures: Real-time reporting of campaign finances and expenditures.
- Voter Awareness Programs: Educate citizens to resist coercion or bribery.
- Technology-Driven Monitoring: CCTV, drones, and app-based grievance redressal.
- Legal Safeguards for Officers: Whistleblower protection and immunity to ensure impartial action.
Conclusion :
Anil’s dilemma underscores the complex interplay of ethical responsibility, legal duty, and personal risk in democratic governance. Acting decisively, transparently, and in accordance with constitutional mandates reflects both Kantian ethics and principles of good governance, emphasizing duty over expediency. While short-term challenges are inevitable, institutional reforms, digitization, enhanced accountability, and citizen engagement, can safeguard electoral integrity and strengthen democracy, ensuring that the voice of the people prevails over malpractices and political expediency.
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.
Print PDF
