You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?

Ethical issues in this case

1. Alleged complaints of harassment by police: → Case of "abuse of authority" → Against the value of integrity, dedication to public service - essential values to guide civil servants, as per second ARC

2. Outraging the modesty of women → against fundamental duty of every citizen to respect women

3. Police actions - if true - lead to widening of rift between police and civilians and mistrust.

4. Version of police is different. If it is correct, then flouting of Covid rules → against principle of adherence to law of land.

5. Video of officer tearing document is on social media. → Public pressure asking for speedy action. → Unethical to tear off an official document → disrespect for the public officials who granted permission.

Factors influencing decision

1. Public pressure by social activist

2. Evidence in the form of video

3. Two complaints by police and party organisers → will prompt a detailed inquiry

4. Values of transparency, accountability and justice for all.

My thoughts on using social media to mobilise public opinion and influence decision:

I think that as far the public is influencing to take speedy actions, it is right but it must not interfere in official proceedings.

My course of action as SP

a) I will abide by lawful procedure and not make any decision under pressure

b) A detailed inquiry will be held

c) Both the complaints will be pursued without fear or favour

d) Assurance to the public - about transparent and objective enquiry

e) Chance to both the parties to prove their narratives

f) whoever is found guilty → will be strictly punished as per law

g) In case, the police is at fault, I will issue a public apology on behalf of juniors