Q7. “The courage of a civil servant is tested when legality and expediency collide”. Examine this statement. How should ethical principles guide officers in such situations? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
IPS officer Anjana Krishna V.S., who recently came into the spotlight for her bold actions in an anti-mining operation that sparked a controversy involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
Key demand of the question
The question requires examining how courage is tested in legality vs expediency conflicts and explaining how ethical principles like integrity, accountability, and constitutional morality should guide officers.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Define the context of legality vs expediency in civil service and link it to moral courage.Body
- Show how such conflicts test a civil servant’s courage (rule of law vs political pressure, constitutional morality, personal sacrifice, public trust, ethical leadership).
- Explain how ethical principles guide officers (public interest, impartiality, accountability, ethical frameworks, institutional safeguards).
Conclusion
Conclude with a futuristic note on building systems and culture that protect courage and legality in governance.
