Introduction

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but cultivated through education and adherence to the Constitution. For public servants, it implies aligning conduct not with personal discretion but with constitutional values such as justice, liberty and equality. Constitutional morality thus becomes the ethical compass for promoting good governance and accountability.

Significance of Constitutional Morality for Public Servants

• Guiding Ethical Conduct Beyond Legal Compliance: It ensures that civil servants follow the spirit of the Constitution, not just its letter.
  • Eg: An IAS officer resisting political pressure to favour a particular caste/religion in welfare schemes embodies constitutional morality.
• Safeguarding Rule of Law: Prevents arbitrariness and promotes Kantian ethics of duty, ensuring all actions respect the dignity of citizens.
  • Eg: Strict adherence to service rules in the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds.
• Balancing Majority Opinion with Minority Rights: John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle and Rawls’ Justice as Fairness demand protection of vulnerable sections.
  • Eg: Public servants implementing reservation policies despite resistance from privileged groups.
• Promoting Impartiality and Non-Partisanship: Anchors the value of political neutrality, crucial for fairness in decision-making.
  • Eg: Election Commission officers ensuring free and fair elections irrespective of ruling party interests.
• Upholding Human Rights and Dignity: Inspired by Gandhian ethics of Sarvodaya (welfare of all).
  • Eg: Police reforms focusing on humane treatment of detainees, respecting Article 21 (Right to Life).

Role of Constitutional Morality in Promoting Good Governance and Accountability

• Equity and Inclusiveness: Ensures governance that benefits all, especially the marginalized.
  • Eg: Reservations and affirmative action implemented despite opposition.
• Transparency and Openness: Institutionalises accountability through RTI, social audits, and proactive disclosure.
  • Eg: Social audits in Andhra Pradesh’s MGNREGA scheme curbing corruption.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Strengthens checks and balances, CAG, Lokpal, vigilance commissions.
  • Eg: CAG’s 2G spectrum audit led to policy corrections and legislative scrutiny.
• Integrity in Policy Implementation: Guards against populist shortcuts, ensuring sustainable and just governance.
  • Eg: Upholding environmental clearances despite pressure for faster clearances.
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Embeds seva bhava (spirit of service), prioritising dignity and welfare over expediency.
  • Eg: Transparent implementation of DBT ensuring subsidies reach intended beneficiaries.

Conclusion

For public servants, constitutional morality is the foundation of ethical administration. By blending professionalism with constitutional values, it ensures good governance and accountability. As Ambedkar warned, democracy in India rests not only on institutions but also on the constitutional morality of those who serve them.

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