Ishan BhatnagarAIR 5 · CSE 2025 · 171 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Impartiality refers to performing one's duty without fear or favour, and not discriminating against anyone. Sardar Patel called it one of the founding pillars of the bureaucracy.
Body · points
Conflict with compassion towards the marginalized →
1> Taking no side → strong prevail over the weak : matsyanyaya.
2> sometimes compensatory discrimination is needed for redressal of historical injustice → logic for affirmative action.
3> Violates Rawlsian Difference Principle that system should benefit the least well off.
4> undermines welfare vision of Indian state to wipe "every tear from every eye".
Impartiality also supports compassion
1> upholding rule of law → ensuring justice to victims, marginalized. eg> IPS officer pursuing rape charges even against powerful actors.
2> Taking decisions fairly → open competition, giving chance to underprivileged. eg> UPSC.
3> creating efficient systems → matters of the vulnerable sections also taken up.
Close · a way forward
Hence there is a need for Harmonious Reading of the two values for civil servants where they must follow procedural impartiality while also ensuring substantive justice to the marginalized, through compassion.