Introduction:

As Indian civil services evolved as a correlation with elected representatives, the political interference in the daily work creates problems. Above mentioned case study showing issues of minority, issues of political interference and ethical issue of violence. Indian constitution provides right to life under Art 21. But the issue of power politics and criminal activities by the ruling party is eroding constitutional values.

Ans: a

How do you deal with political pressure when performing your duty?

1. Stick to the ethical principles and values that guide your life and decision-making: individuals’ performance should be based on the guiding principles of life and motive behind the joining of service. Example Mr.T.N.Seshan sir not get pressured by the ruling party .
2. Follows the value of impartiality and objectivity in your duties, regardless of political pressure: Decisions based on merit always yielded in the positive side , that is why civil servants should follow the value of objectivity .
3. Seek guidance from your organisation’s code of conduct or ethics committee: Rules based decisions necessary to avoid conflict with political parties necessary .Organizational code always helps in such situations.
4. Communicate clearly and respectfully with those applying political pressure, explaining the importance of adhering to ethical standards: By suggesting possible impact of such behaviour in his career in future.
5. Refuse to take any bribe or corruption: That erodes the whole system and officers got easily trapped into political influence.
   
6. Report any unethical behaviour or pressure to appropriate authorities or Higher authority in service : use constitutional and legal mechanisms .
7. Avoid personal interest and always prefer public interest first.
8. Stay brave and ready for punishment posting.

Ans: b

In particular, as a SSP uplifting law and protecting justice is essential. The strong principles and value system improves the conduct of a person. When a wife suggests recording a phone call and making it viral with the media has two angles. First is recording calls for future safety in official work is acceptable but making these recordings available to the public has negative implications and goes against the code of conduct.

So SSP should record these calls but not necessarily make it public for the following reasons.

• Ethical correctness and respecting established social code: As an SSP, one has an ethical obligation towards upholding the law and delivering justice to the victim in the case. This obligation cannot be subservient to any political or personal interests.
• Public Interest: The incident in question has already gained public attention and publicity and making personal calls available to the public may hamper professional integrity.
• Bringing transparency via other ways : Rather than making call recording available to the public, officers may make the department aware about such incidents .And don’t fall into the trap of political leaders.

However some positive implications also exist if recording is made available to the public. These are.

• Professional Integrity: As a law enforcement officer, one’s professional integrity is of utmost importance. By recording the conversations and making them public, one can demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding the law and maintaining professional integrity.
• Uphold the rule of law: Going against the powerful minister and his followers would send a strong message to the public that the rule of law prevails over any other interest. It would also serve as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law.
• Protection against victimisation: Recording the conversations with the minister and making them public would provide a kind of protection against victimisation. It would make it more challenging for the minister to carry out his threat to transfer the SSP to a distant place. This would ensure that the investigation can proceed without any hindrance.

Ans: c

As a SSP, trying to bring justice and uplifting law and order are essential obligations. Going away from the problem because of the fear of political pressure is of negative value and not a good sign of an Integral brave officer. Yes, friends’ suggestion is good for the protection of family and avoiding conflict but that solution is not morally correct.

Reasons for not leaving the place in fear of political leaders

• Professional integrity: Providing service and justice with the value of objectivity is a prime feature of any good Officer.
• Principle of justice: If Officer leaves this place in the fear of political leaders not gives justice to that disadvantaged person.
• Negative values system develops and goes against professional values: This culture of not facing cases also goes against core values i.e., bravery.
  
• Negative public perception: Public will not believe on system and officers. That create chaos and in future problem of law and order.
• Breaking nexus of corruption in the system: Because not taking decisions against political leaders create more political interference and that can develop linkages between officers and political leaders. But all that have to be stopped, as duty of responsible civil servant.
• Morality: Personally, not providing justice to victims is going against good human character. That’s why even though a friend insists on going away, a good officer continually tries to provide justice.

In the Indian scenario, political interference, Linkages between political leaders and civil servants causing issues of law and order and justice delivery. We required strong, brave and honest officers to handle such situations. Because it is said that if justice is not delivered then it brings more threat to justice in future.

DOWNLOAD PDF