Q6. “Rule-following is not the same as ethical governance”. Distinguish between the two. Illustrate how ethical discretion can be exercised without arbitrariness. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Governance can be legally correct yet ethically unjust, and many administrative failures come from rule-worship or discretion turning into arbitrariness.
Key Demand of the question
The question asks you to differentiate rule-following from ethical governance, and then explain how discretion can still be exercised ethically while remaining non-arbitrary, fair, and accountable.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Write legality is only the minimum floor, while ethical governance is about justice, dignity and public interest beyond procedural compliance.Body
- Distinguish the two by showing that rule-following is procedure-centric, while ethical governance is value-centric and aligned to constitutional morality.
- Illustrate ethical discretion by explaining how it can be anchored in Article 14 non-arbitrariness, reasoned decision-making, proportionality, transparency, and institutional safeguards.
Conclusion
End with a crisp futuristic line that ethical discretion strengthens legitimacy and citizen trust when it is reasoned, transparent and constitutionally guided.
