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.
The call for a total ban on alcohol consumption has gained traction in various states, leading to legislative efforts aimed at restricting or prohibiting its sale and consumption. This contentious issue elicits a range of arguments both in favor of and against such stringent measures. (15 M) a) Present ethical and moral arguments both in favor of and against the prohibition of alcohol consumption. b) Assess the effectiveness of legislative measures in bringing about changes in people's behavior on a large scale. c) Provide recommendations as an advisor to a state government considering the implications of implementing or rejecting a prohibition on alcohol consumption.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
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: (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 1 topper · CSE 2018
Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality
Cancel culture has emerged as a powerful tool of social accountability in the digital age, often framed as a form of moral justice against wrongdoing. Critically examine the ethical issues involved in cancel culture. How can society address these ethical issues while balancing the need for accountability?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeSocial Influence and Persuasion
What are the various components of an organization's work culture? What are key issues that need to be addressed in any organisation to create a more developmental and performance oriented culture? (b) There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Work CultureLaw and Morality
Samuel is a famous tennis player. He is at the top of his career and had won three grand slams last year. The first major tournament of this year is scheduled for next week in country A. Samuel is the defending champion and crowd favourite. Organizers of the tournament expect Samuel to be a crowd puller for his matches. Many aspiring tennis players and youth look up to Samuel as their idol. The tournament is being organized amidst the deadly third wave of Covid infection in country A. Country A has declared a public health emergency due to the rising number of Covid cases. Keeping in mind medical exigency, the organizers have mandated that every participating athlete as well as the attending audience should be fully vaccinated with two doses. However, Samuel refused to get vaccinated as he believes that vaccines can negatively impact his performance in the tournament. Samuel also argued that mandatory vaccination is a violation of his right to choose and goes against his individual liberty. The organizers of the tournament have known that if Samuel is denied entry in the tournament, their revenue from ticket sales may go down. They hesitantly allowed Samuel to participate in the tournament even without his compliance with vaccine mandate. To tackle the surging wave of pandemic, country A has prescribed two weeks quarantine for any-one who has visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel has visited one such country. But such a declaration from Samuel would mean that he would miss the tournament as only one week is left for the start of matches. To avoid quarantine, Samuel lied in his affidavit and claimed that he had not visited any other pandemic affected country. Samuel's popularity became his enemy as people quickly found that he had lied in his affidavit and photos of him vacationing last week in a pandemic affected country went viral on social media. There was a huge outrage against the section of the population who wanted to see Samuel in action and was upset that Samuel was forced to leave country A. Based on this case study, answer the following: (a) Identify various ethical issues involved in this incident. (b) In your opinion, whether vaccine mandates are a violation of individual liberty or a reasonable restriction on personal freedom. Justify. (c) Discuss the ethical responsibility of famous personalities while conducting themselves in public.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
An international beverage company has a signature drink that it sells all over the world, with children being its major consumers. In India, the version of the drink complies with Indian food and health regulations, but is less healthy than the one sold in developed countries. Though the company is not in violation of any law in India, but it is selling an inferior, less healthy product in a developing country like India. There is however, a price differential with the drink sold in India being cheaper than the one sold in developed countries. Identify the various stakeholders and discuss the issues that arise in this situation.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Corporate GovernanceLaw and Morality
What do the following quotes mean to you in present context - a)"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place" - Mahatma
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersLaw and Morality
"Laws are silent in times of war." - Cicero
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Law and MoralityEthics in International Relations
Ethical AI is not limited to what is permissible by law. Legal limits about the use of AI set a minimum threshold of acceptability, while ethical AI sets policies that go beyond legal requirements to ensure respect for fundamental human values. Critically analyze. [10M]
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Technology and EthicsLaw and Morality
Consider the following questions based on the relationship between religion and law i. Religious belief shouldn't serve as foundation for morality in a pluralistic society like India. ii. Law should prevail over religion whenever there is conflict between the two. Discuss how ethics can help having a better understanding of conflict between religion and law?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
You are the managing director of an upcoming advertising company which has made a name for itself in the market in a very short time. Varun is a star employee of your company, who has consistently given good performance. Some of the most popular advertisements of the company, in recent times, have been an outcome of Varun's creative ideas. Since his joining, Varun has helped in almost doubling the revenues of the company, by bringing new clients and improving the brand equity of the company. You place high value in Varun's professional competence and are in the process of giving him a bigger responsibility in the company. However, you have been hearing rumours from various sections about the attitude of Varun towards his female colleagues. It has come to your notice that Varun is habitual of passing loose and lewd comments on the female employees of the company. Furthermore, Varun regularly sends indecent messages on phone to all the employees, including female workers. One day, Geetanjali, an employee working in Varun's team comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains to you about the repeated misbehaviour of Varun towards her. She informs you that Varun has on many occasions made undesirable physical advances towards her. She also tells that last evening before her shift was about to end, Varun called her in his cabin and tried to touch her inappropriately. She requests you to conduct an enquiry by the internal complaints committee (formed under POSH Act). She also tells that in case appropriate action is not taken against Varun, she will be forced to resign from her position. You personally know Geetanjali as a dedicated and honest employee of the company. You are aware that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and has to support her teen-age brother and ailing mother. You also understand that unless the situation was really serious, Geetanjali would not have thought of resignation. On the other hand, an enquiry against Varun may affect the financial growth of the company. Also, you know that if Varun is fired for his actions, many big clients may leave the company. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Evaluate the different options available to you. In this situation, which option will you adopt and why? c) What steps will you take to ensure a safer workplace for women in your company?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceLaw and Morality
What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? (a) "Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them."- David Hume (b) "The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy."- Martin Luther King Jr. (c) "In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." - Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be the course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
CorruptionTransparency and Information
Established law cannot provide an efficient answer to the moral aspects of new situations which demands us to enact new moral laws or make new applications of existing moral laws. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with contemporary examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
If Mandatory CSR with criminal offence is punishment for corporates even if they are neutral & not interested in philanthropy. charity should come from the corporates themselves & showing the stewardship and responsible management. Mandatory CSR reflects forced weapon or kind of tax terrorism.
Answered by 1 topper
Corporate GovernanceLaw and Morality
A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you would deem appropriate in the prevailing context.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
"Indian constitution is a treasure trove of ethical values for civil servants."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Civil Service ValuesSources of Ethical Guidance
Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
A state has been notorious for high rate of crimes and illicit activities. An understaffed police force along with sheer volume of criminal instances makes it difficult for police to duly investigate and pursue all cases till their logical end. The criminal justice system is also burdened and it takes years to deliver justice. Given the nexus between criminals and politicians, it is difficult to conduct investigation without external influences. A sense of lawlessness has prevailed in the society. In this backdrop, it has been observed that police has been resorting to increasing number of encounters of alleged criminals rather than catching them and follow due process. Popular public sentiment is also supportive of this method and the result has been a declining trend in crime. Given this scenario, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Analyse the issue from different ethical perspectives. (b) What could be the effects on the police administration and the society of such a strategy? (c) As an advisor to the Chief Minister of the State, what advice would you give to improve the law and order situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
In the backdrop of prevailing practices like greenwashing, have highlighted cases of dichotomy between legal-ethical situation. The same case accounts here, calling for deeper course of action.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
Prohibition → creating more problems than it is solving?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Law and MoralityRules versus Compassion
A 'Good Samaritan' legal protection is vital to encourage people to offer assistance without the fear of any criminal or civil liability. Discuss the statement in the context of India's unacceptably high rate of road accident fatalities due to the inability of victims to get timely medical treatment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
Capital punishment, or "death penalty," is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one's control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
A friend of yours who is also a Civil Services aspirant comes to your room to discuss a few ethical issues which he is finding difficulty with. These include: a. How ethical is it for a farmer to throw his/her produce on road as a sign of protest, when people in our country are dying of starvation? b. A rich can afford both medical and judicial expenses but a poor might not. Similarly, a rich can afford to give birth and nurture an abnormal child but a poor might not. In this light how far it is ethically justified on part of the state or any particular institution to decide on the matters of euthanasia and abortion. What will be your response to the above ethical issues? What do you think is the best solution for such ethical issues which should be adopted and applied?
20 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
Many states like Bihar, Gujarat have banned alcohol. It is a good step on paper but daily events of death due to poisonous alcohol in such states questions such policy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
Norms of social morality should not be applied to acts of civil servants while they are carrying out their professional roles and responsibilities to further the common Good. Critically Analyze.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethics in Private and Public LifeLaw and Morality
In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? "In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." - Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersLaw and Morality