Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Example 1: Anukathir Surya: IRS Officer’s Historic Name and Gender Change
Anukathir Surya, an IRS officer, has become the first in Indian Civil Service history to officially change his name and gender to be identified as a man. Approved by the Ministry of Finance on July 9, the order recognizes him as Mr. M. Anukathir Surya in all official records.
Ethical Values from Anukathir Surya’s Experience
- Integrity: Staying true to one’s identity despite societal pressures.
- Courage: Taking bold steps to seek official recognition for his gender identity.
- Inclusivity: Promoting acceptance and understanding within the workplace.
- Resilience: Overcoming personal and professional challenges related to identity.
- Respect for Diversity: Highlighting the importance of diversity in the civil service.
- Advocacy for Rights: Paving the way for others in similar situations to seek recognition and respect.
Example 2: Puja Khedkar: misuse of power
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, faced controversy and was transferred to Washim for alleged misuse of power. She used a private Audi with a red-blue beacon and claimed facilities were not allowed for probation officers. This included occupying a senior official’s office without permission and making demands like a separate cabin and residential quarters. Her actions led to scrutiny over the alleged submission of fake disability and OBC certificates for her civil services exam.
Ethical Issues concerned here are:
- Misuse of Power: Using a private vehicle with an unauthorized beacon and claiming facilities beyond entitlement.
- Ethical Breach in Documentation: Allegedly submitting fake disability and OBC certificates.
- Entitlement and Privilege: Demanding exclusive office space and facilities not permitted during probation.
- Influence Peddling: Allegations of her father pressuring officials to meet her demands.
- Transparency and Accountability: Lack of compliance with verification processes for disability certification.
Example 3: Hannibal Directive
The Hannibal Directive was allegedly used by Israeli forces following the October 7 by Hamas on Israel.
The Hannibal Directive is an alleged Israeli military policy aimed at preventing the capture of Israeli soldiers by militant groups, even at the risk of harming or killing the soldiers themselves.
Ethical issues associated with it:
- Disregard for Human Life: Critics argue that the directive prioritizes preventing capture over minimizing harm to civilians and soldiers, potentially leading to excessive use of force.
- Lack of Transparency: The secretive nature of the directive raises concerns about accountability and oversight in military operations.
- Legal and Moral Implications: The policy has been criticized for potentially violating international humanitarian law by endangering civilians and using disproportionate force.
- Impact on Prisoner Rights: It raises questions about the treatment and rights of captured combatants, challenging conventions on the humane treatment of prisoners of war.
- Public Perception and Accountability: The directive’s existence and implementation without public debate or transparency undermine democratic principles of accountability and oversight.
