GS4 · Topic
Law and Morality
Where the legal and the ethical part company: an act that is lawful but wrong, or right but unlawful, and constitutional morality.
168 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Law and Morality that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values
What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Public service requires not merely legal but also morally principled action. Public service requires the public servant to place loyalty to the constitution, laws, and ethical principles. Among the three, which do you think must acquire primacy while carrying out official functions? Why? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Social transformation programs such as "beti bachao and beti padhao" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Social Influence and PersuasionCivil Service Values
You, a manager in one of the top IT firms in the country, are tasked with hiring new recruits for an upcoming project. You find that the company has given tacit instructions of not hiring female candidates in view of the new maternity law passed by the Government. You find this highly objectionable and lodge a protest with people in the higher management but they are firm as they want to cut down all the unnecessary costs. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and their interests in the situation. (b) What are the dilemmas that a recruiting manager may face in such a scenario? (c) What are the different options available to you? Which one will you pursue and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
At times, moral behaviour can be constrained by the complexity of legal system. Explain. In this context, explain the purpose of legal protection for good samaritans in the case of road accidents.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentProbity in Governance
Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
"Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience." - Locke
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsSources of Ethical Guidance
Many states in India have experimented with prohibition of liquor at various times. However, it is common knowledge that many such states have a thriving illegal liquor industry. Moreover, it is ironical that while many political parties have prohibition prominently mentioned in their manifestos, it is politicians who distribute alcohol among voters during their election campaigns. This also gives rise to illicit liquor trade and many people lose their lives to it. (a) What are the socio-economic problems that are widely attributed to alcoholism? (b) Do you think prohibiting liquor creates more problems than it proposes to solve? (c) Short of prohibition, what can be done to tackle the problem of rising alcoholism, particularly among the youth of the country?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
You are a civil servant posted in a state where elections were recently held. The newly elected Chief Minister had promised to ban alcohol in several of his election campaigns as well as his election manifesto, which was widely praised and supported by women of the state. Fulfilling his electoral promise, the Chief Minister has ordered a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state. Following the ban, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the ban and whether the government should interfere in what is considered by many to be a matter of personal choice. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this case and how are they affected by the ban? (b) Is blanket ban on alcohol a feasible action? (c) Identify the issues that may arise while enforcing the ban and the steps you will take to handle them, as a civil servant.
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom." - John Locke
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Law and MoralityWorld Thinkers
The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant." Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct
In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
Ethics is the first line of defence against corruption while law enforcement is remedial and reactive. Examine the statement with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
CorruptionProbity in Governance
Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Vision and intentions are necessary components of political ethics. However, equally important are the process of implementation, tools used and the established system. Elaborate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Sources of Ethical GuidanceLaw and Morality
A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you. B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
World ThinkersEthical Theories
What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Transparency and InformationLaw and Morality
"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." - Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics