“Rule-following is not the same as ethical governance”. Distinguish between the two. Illustrate how ethical discretion can be exercised without arbitrariness.
Kartavya Desk Staff
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.
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.
• 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.