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.
What are the ethical issues related to population control of a compulsory nature that you would consider before approving or rejecting the recommendation? (b) What would be your course of action in the aforementioned case? Suggest reasons for the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making
Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local political party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
Discuss B.R. Ambedkar's conception of morality and social justice. How does it differ from mere legal equality?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Capital punishment : Any place in modern society?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality
In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for the people to do good and difficult to do wrong. comment.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
What do you understand by ethical pluralism? How can a civil servant reconcile personal ethical beliefs with the values of a pluralistic society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeLaw and Morality
Case Study 2: You are the District Collector of a rural district where traditional social customs and religious practices strongly influence daily life. Recently, a case has emerged involving a local temple and its long-standing tradition of excluding women from certain religious rituals and spaces. A group of educated young women from the village, inspired by the increasing national dialogue on gender equality, has petitioned for the right to participate in these religious rituals. They argued that excluding women is discriminatory and violates their constitutional rights. However, the temple authorities and a significant portion of the local community vehemently oppose this change, citing religious texts and long-standing customs. As the District Collector, you face a complex ethical dilemma. Legally, you are obliged to uphold the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits gender-based discrimination. However, enforcing this law could lead to significant unrest in the community, where traditional customs and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched. And you are aware that the district has a history of unrest on religious matters, and local politicians did not mind stoking the unrest for political gains. The moral argument for gender equality clashes with the community's religious sentiments. The temple authorities believe that altering the rituals would desecrate their sacred traditions. Meanwhile, the women demanding entry see this as a moral and legal fight for their rights. You as a district collector was in a precarious dilemma, one on hand being a progressive officer you knew what is the right thing to do but on the other as an administrative professional you didn't want an unrest with religious tone at your hands. 1.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
"In a country grappling with resource constraints, the vast surplus funds held by religious institutions raise pressing ethical questions about social responsibility." Critically examine the ethical, constitutional, and socio-cultural implications of utilizing surplus funds from religious institutions for public welfare purposes such as education and healthcare?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Utilisation of Public FundsEthics in Private and Public Life
What are the key differences between moral and legal responsibilities? Illustrate with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women's entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems. (a) What are the key issues at stake here? (b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation? (c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Legislation has often been used to bring social change. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Law and MoralitySocial Influence and Persuasion
You have been recently posted as Superintendent of Police of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering its inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
'To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, it is not justice.' Comment. Should India do away with capital punishment and instead focus upon other innovative methods? Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work causing hardship and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
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? 10 (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
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH TECHNOLOGIES :-
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Technology and EthicsLaw and Morality
Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentImpartiality and Objectivity
The terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California, on December 2, 2015 resulted into killing of 14 people and injuring 22 others. Both the perpetrators involved in the attack were killed in a shootout by law enforcement later that same day. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducting the investigation recovered an undamaged iPhone in the shootout from one of the shooters. The phone had a six-digit password and was set to eliminate all its data after five failed password attempts. FBI desired access to the data for which it appealed the Apple, a private company, to create a new software that would enable FBI to unlock the phone. They wanted to extract data like contacts, photos and calls from locked iPhones in order to assist in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Apple denied the request of the FBI to build a backdoor into the iPhone. Apple argued that building a backdoor would have far reaching consequence beyond the case and would jeopardize the data security of other Apple users as well. They further explained that while selling their devices, apple has entered into a legal contract promising to preserve the privacy of their users. Allowing government to access the iPhone will lead to breach in trust that exist between the customer and the company. The government suggested utilization of the tool only once for this particular phone. Opposing the suggestion, Apple explained that once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. The company concluded it would be wrong for the government to force them to build a backdoor into their products. The case was widely covered by the print and electronic media. There was a surge in 'for and against' debate on the social media platforms. Tech giants such as Microsoft and Facebook also supported Apple and displayed their opposition to the government's demand for creating a backdoor. The families of victims and survivors of the attack supported the FBI's demand. The National Sheriffs' Association remarked Apple's stance as "putting profit over safety" and "has nothing to do with privacy." Considering the whole situation, do you agree that Apple's action was justified? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the various options that you have? Which one of these will you adopt? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion
What do you understand by environmental ethics? How are laws and ethics different from each other?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsLaw and Morality
Recently, the government has proposed a bill to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. It has been argued that it will help women improve their nutritional status, lower maternal mortality rate and improve the overall health status of women. However, some critics have stated that the proposed law would be counterproductive to women's cause and the desired objectives will not be met. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What effect will an increase in the age of marriage have on women in India? (b) Can legislation be used as an effective tool for social change? (c) Discuss other agents that can be used for social change in this context.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationLaw and Morality
What is the relationship between attitude and behaviour? Examine how deep-seated social attitudes can limit the effectiveness of ethical laws and institutional reforms.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality
While laws, rules, and regulations tend to dictate from above, attitudinal change within communities can bring effective and lasting solutions to many problems. Explain with the help of examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
You are the CEO of a well known film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie for its revival to get back into the entertainment industry. The movie has been made on a big budget and is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and is much awaited. There are predictions that the movie will be a hit. However, just before release there erupted a controversy involving the main character who happens to be from the minority religion and has been targeted by right wing parties for indecent portrayal of gods and goddesses in his previous movies and also for the comment his wife had made on the security of her life. This has prompted a boycott movement on social media for the movie. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to modify any content in the movie and also to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by few rightist people as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. a. What are the options available to you? b. Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. c. What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingLaw and Morality
There are times when our conscience and the law of the land are at conflict. Point out an example from your personal life when you encountered such a situation. How did you deal with it? What should be an appropriate course of action, in general, when one is faced with such a conflict?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Sources of Ethical GuidanceLaw and Morality
What is the relationship between Ethics and Law? Explain with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
"In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place." Do you agree? Substantiate with Example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance