Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Priya, an IPS officer, discovers the local MLA's involvement in a human trafficking ring amid political interference. A journalist offers incriminating evidence, suggesting an exposé could enhance her career. However, Priya is concerned about potential retaliation, the journalist's intentions, and jeopardizing the investigation. She faces a critical dilemma between acting decisively and safeguarding the investigation's integrity.

Body

• What are the stakeholders involved in the situation?

• What are the ethical dilemmas in front of Priya?
• Public Interest vs. Professional Ethics: On one hand, publishing the exposé could serve the public interest by exposing human trafficking and holding the MLA accountable.
  • On the other hand, Priya must consider whether cooperating with the journalist may violate her professional ethics, as it could risk the integrity of the investigation and expose sensitive information.
• Loyalty to the Law vs. Political Pressure: Priya is bound to uphold the law and ensure justice is served.
  • However, the political connections of the MLA and the Home Minister create a significant barrier to her efforts.
  • This dilemma forces her to navigate the conflict between her duty as a police officer and the potential repercussions of defying powerful political figures.
• Integrity vs. Career Advancement: Prospect of career advancement is tempting for Priya through the journalist's exposé.
  • This raises the ethical question of whether she should prioritize her professional growth or uphold her integrity by avoiding any actions that could compromise her values or the investigation.
• Confidentiality vs. Transparency: The journalist's offer to publish incriminating information introduces a tension between the need for confidentiality in ongoing investigations and the call for transparency in governance.
• Utilitarian Approach vs. Deontological Ethics: Priya faces the dilemma of whether to act based on a utilitarian perspective—where the end justifies the means—by collaborating with the journalist for a greater good, or to adhere strictly to deontological ethics, where the rightness of her actions is based on following the law and her professional duties.
• Trustworthiness vs. Manipulation: The journalist’s offer raises questions about trustworthiness. Priya must discern whether the journalist genuinely seeks justice or has ulterior motives, complicating her ability to decide how to proceed without being manipulated.
• As a principled police officer, what options are available to Priya in this situation, and which course of action would be the most appropriate?

Options Available to Priya:

• Conduct a Thorough Investigation Internally:
  • Action: Priya can focus on gathering evidence through established police procedures, maintaining the integrity of the investigation without prematurely involving external parties.
  • Implication: This approach preserves the confidentiality and robustness of the evidence against the MLA while minimizing external pressures. However, it may take time and could be thwarted by political interference.
• Engage with the Journalist Cautiously:
  • Action: Priya could meet with the journalist to gauge the validity of the information provided and understand the journalist’s motives while ensuring no sensitive details are leaked.
  • Implication: This could help her leverage public interest to apply pressure on the political establishment. However, it carries the risk of compromising the investigation if handled improperly.
• Seek Legal and Institutional Support:
  • Action: Priya can consult legal advisors or senior officials within the police department or the judiciary to explore avenues for protecting her investigation from political interference.
  • Implication: This route may provide her with institutional backing, offering protection against retaliation while reinforcing her legal stance. However, it may take time to mobilize support.
• Report the Findings to Anti-Corruption Bodies:
  • Action: If evidence is substantial, Priya can approach an anti-corruption agency or a judicial authority, bypassing local political structures to ensure an independent investigation.
  • Implication: This approach could safeguard her from political backlash and hold the MLA accountable. Yet, it may also provoke retaliation from political allies, complicating her position.

Course of Action:

Conduct a Thorough Investigation Internally, While Cautiously Engaging with the Journalist.

• Conducting a thorough internal investigation allows Priya to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the evidence.
  • She should work meticulously to gather comprehensive evidence against the MLA while documenting all findings and ensuring proper procedures are followed. This strengthens her case against potential political interference.
• Simultaneously, cautiously engaging with the journalist can provide valuable insights into the broader implications of her findings.
  • She should establish clear boundaries, ensuring no sensitive information is disclosed. By doing so, Priya can leverage the journalist’s reach while safeguarding the investigation.
• Furthermore, Priya should consider seeking legal advice and exploring options for institutional support, which can offer her additional layers of protection and resources to counter any potential political backlash.
  • This holistic approach balances integrity, transparency, and effective law enforcement, ensuring that her actions align with her principles while aiming for justice.

Conclusion

Priya should concentrate on conducting thorough investigations and collaborating with trusted colleagues, while also seeking legal guidance to address political challenges. By fostering transparency and accountability in her department, she can enhance her standing and effectively work towards dismantling the human trafficking network, all while upholding her professional integrity.