Mains Daily Question
Nov. 15, 2023
Q1. "There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience".(10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: The question highlights the quote of Gandhiji, which is related to the conscience necessary for the civil servants. Introduction:
Body: We need to present arguments and examples to support the claim that conscience can be a more reliable beacon for civil servants compared to laws, rules, and regulations. Emphasize the significance of ethical decision-making frameworks, professional codes of conduct, and institutional support to ensure that conscience is applied responsibly and in accordance with legal and organizational obligations. Conclusion: Type 1: Summarize the discussion by affirming the value of conscience as a reliable beacon for civil servants, particularly in navigating complex moral decisions that go beyond the confines of laws, rules, and regulations. Type 2: Acknowledge that while laws, rules, and regulations are essential for maintaining order and governance, conscience adds an invaluable dimension to the moral compass of civil servants. |
Answer: This statement of Mahatma Gandhi highlights the importance of one's conscience in making decisions that are ethical and moral, and it suggests that one should follow their conscience over the laws, rules, and regulations of society.
Conscience can be a more reliable beacon for civil servants than laws, rules, and regulations because:
- Prevention of Corruption: Laws and regulations are in place to prevent corruption, but it is often the conscience of an individual that prevents them from engaging in corrupt practices.
- Example: ex-Chief Economic Advisor, Kaushik Basu, refused to accept gifts worth Rs. 2 lakhs, which were offered to him by a foreign delegation.
- Upholding human rights: The conscience of civil servants can often be a more reliable guide than laws and regulations when it comes to upholding human rights.
- Example: During the Emergency in India (1975-77), IAS officer T. N. Seshan, refused to carry out orders that they believed were unconstitutional or violated human rights.
- Empathy and compassion: Laws and regulations can sometimes be rigid and inflexible and may not always take into account the unique circumstances and needs of individuals. However, civil servants who are guided by their conscience are more likely to show empathy and compassion towards those they serve.
- Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, many civil servants went above and beyond their duties to provide relief and assistance to those affected by the pandemic, often using their personal resources and connections.
- Personal integrity: While laws and regulations can provide a framework for ethical behaviour, they cannot guarantee that civil servants will always act with integrity. However, a strong sense of personal conscience can motivate civil servants to act in a way that is consistent with their values and principles.
- Example: IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, who was suspended for her crackdown on illegal sand mining in Uttar Pradesh, continued to speak out against corruption and injustice despite facing retaliation and persecution.
While laws, rules, and regulations are important for maintaining order and fairness in society, they are not always sufficient to guide the actions of civil servants. A strong sense of personal conscience can serve as a powerful motivator for civil servants to act with integrity, empathy, and moral courage in service of the greater good.
