Mains Practice Questions - 07 Feb, 2025

Case Study

Puneet is a young and dynamic officer serving as the Director of the State Sports Council. His mandate is to promote sports at the grassroots level, improve infrastructure, and ensure fair selection of athletes for national and international competitions.

During his tenure, Puneet receives multiple complaints from young athletes and coaches about rampant favoritism and corruption in the selection process for a prestigious international sports event. Allegations suggest that several underqualified candidates were selected due to political connections and bribes, while talented athletes, especially from economically weaker backgrounds, were ignored.

Upon investigation, Puneet finds strong evidence of malpractice involving senior officials, influential politicians, and sports federation members. When he raises the issue with his superiors, he is advised to “look the other way” as the individuals involved are politically powerful. Some officials warn him that exposing the issue could lead to career repercussions, frequent transfers, or administrative sidelining.

Athletes and their families have intensified their protests, demanding justice and transparency, sparking mass public outrage. The issue has gained widespread media attention, putting significant pressure on the authorities to act. Meanwhile, a well-known journalist approaches Puneet, seeking insider information to expose the scandal. However, Puneet faces a dilemma: taking action against the malpractice could delay the team selection process, potentially jeopardizing the country’s participation in the prestigious event, while inaction would compromise his integrity and the principles of fairness and accountability.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Puneet in this situation?

2. Evaluate the possible courses of action Puneet can take in this scenario. Discuss the merits and consequences of each approach in light of his ethical responsibilities and the public interest.

3. What institutional and grassroots-level reforms can be implemented to prevent favoritism and corruption in sports governance and ensure fair opportunities for athletes, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds?