Inspector Pushpendra was in charge of Lokandwala police station, where he had been serving diligently for several years.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. Inspector Pushpendra was in charge of Lokandwala police station, where he had been serving diligently for several years. He had been married to his wife, Rashmi, for six years, but the couple had not been blessed with children, a matter that caused them considerable emotional distress. One day, during a routine case investigation, Pushpendra heard the sound of a baby crying from a nearby garbage pile. Upon investigating, he discovered an abandoned infant a baby girl who was in a vulnerable state. His heart melted at the sight, and he immediately rushed the infant to a nearby hospital for medical care. Upon examination, the doctors informed him that the baby girl was healthy and in stable condition. As per protocol, Pushpendra and his team decided that the baby should be transferred to the District Community Welfare House, where abandoned or orphaned children are placed under the care of the authorities. However, Pushpendra found himself emotionally attached to the child, her presence reminding him of his own wife’s grief over their inability to have children. He feared for the uncertain future the baby might face in institutional care. Struggling with these thoughts, Pushpendra decided to take the baby girl home, believing he could offer her a loving and stable environment. He shared the situation with his wife, Rashmi, who immediately bonded with the baby and welcomed her into their home with open arms. For the next two days, the couple experienced immense joy and affection, treating the baby as their own. Overwhelmed with happiness, Pushpendra and Rashmi posted pictures of themselves with the baby girl on social media, receiving congratulatory messages from friends and the public alike. However, this public attention caught the notice of the local Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which promptly contacted Pushpendra. The Committee informed him that, despite his good intentions, he had bypassed the legal protocol required for adopting a child. They emphasized that the baby girl must be brought to the welfare house, as proper legal procedures needed to be followed. The news left Pushpendra and Rashmi devastated, as they had quickly formed a deep emotional bond with the child. However, the strict legal regulations governing child adoption presented a significant hurdle to their desire to keep the baby girl as part of their family. The couple found themselves caught between their affection for the child and the obligation to adhere to the legal process, which now stood as an obstacle to their growing attachment to the infant. (20 M)
• What are the ethical issues involved in the given case? What options are available to Pushpendra and Rashmi in the given situation, and which option should they choose? What are the legal protocols and guidelines that govern the adoption process in India?
• What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?
• What options are available to Pushpendra and Rashmi in the given situation, and which option should they choose?
• What are the legal protocols and guidelines that govern the adoption process in India?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question The ethical dilemmas faced by public officials when personal emotions conflict with professional duties, and to test understanding of adoption laws and child welfare frameworks in India. Key Demand of the question The question requires identifying the ethical issues in the scenario, evaluating the choices available to the individuals involved, recommending the most ethical course of action, and outlining the legal protocols governing adoption in India. Structure of the Answer Introduction: Briefly introduce the dilemma where emotional compassion conflicts with legal responsibility and institutional child protection norms. Body Ethical Issues: Highlight conflict of interest, violation of legal procedures, duty to uphold law, emotional appeal, and best interest of the child. Options & Best Course: List possible actions Pushpendra and Rashmi can take; compare them; recommend following the legal adoption process as the ethically and legally sound option. Legal Guidelines: Mention key legal frameworks like JJ Act 2015, CARA guidelines, Hague Convention compliance, and role of CWC in ensuring lawful adoption and child protection. Conclusion: Emphasize balancing compassion with legality, ensuring best interest of the child while upholding rule of law.
Why the question
The ethical dilemmas faced by public officials when personal emotions conflict with professional duties, and to test understanding of adoption laws and child welfare frameworks in India.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires identifying the ethical issues in the scenario, evaluating the choices available to the individuals involved, recommending the most ethical course of action, and outlining the legal protocols governing adoption in India.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction: Briefly introduce the dilemma where emotional compassion conflicts with legal responsibility and institutional child protection norms.
• Ethical Issues: Highlight conflict of interest, violation of legal procedures, duty to uphold law, emotional appeal, and best interest of the child.
• Options & Best Course: List possible actions Pushpendra and Rashmi can take; compare them; recommend following the legal adoption process as the ethically and legally sound option.
• Legal Guidelines: Mention key legal frameworks like JJ Act 2015, CARA guidelines, Hague Convention compliance, and role of CWC in ensuring lawful adoption and child protection.
Conclusion: Emphasize balancing compassion with legality, ensuring best interest of the child while upholding rule of law.