You are the Secretary of Defence, widely respected for your integrity and neutrality throughout your career.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. You are the Secretary of Defence, widely respected for your integrity and neutrality throughout your career. Recently, a sensitive region in India experienced escalating violence and unrest. In response to the deteriorating situation, you supported the Army General’s decision to deploy a special squad to restore peace and order in the region. Upon deployment, the squad successfully neutralized several key targets, resulting in a significant and sudden decline in violence. However, a controversy erupted when a prominent media outlet accused the special squad of using unethical and inhumane methods, including physical violence, blackmail, and torture against local civilians. These allegations sparked a nationwide debate, dividing the media, opposition parties, and the public. Adding to the complexity, the international community has raised concerns about alleged human rights violations, putting further pressure on the Indian government. The government, army, and bureaucratic channels have categorically denied the allegations, labelling them as false rumours. Despite this, media outlets and opposition leaders are demanding the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. As the Secretary of Defence, you are tasked with resolving the issue in a balanced manner that addresses domestic and international concerns while upholding the integrity of the armed forces. (20 M)
• Identify the ethical dilemma involved in the case. What are the options available to you in the given situation? Which option would you choose and why? Do you think providing the special squads with unlimited power to counter the anti-national issue is ethically justified?
• Identify the ethical dilemma involved in the case.
• What are the options available to you in the given situation? Which option would you choose and why?
• Do you think providing the special squads with unlimited power to counter the anti-national issue is ethically justified?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question It tests ethical decision-making in high-stakes governance where national security, human rights, and institutional credibility clash. It also checks your ability to handle domestic political pressure and international scrutiny together. Key Demand of the question You must identify the ethical dilemma, evaluate response options with justification, and take a reasoned ethical stand on the idea of giving unlimited powers to security squads. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly frame it as a conflict between restoring peace/order and upholding constitutional morality, human dignity, and accountability in a democracy. Body Ethical dilemma: Show the tension between security imperatives and rights-based governance, along with transparency vs institutional integrity. Options and choice: Briefly mention the possible institutional responses (independent probe, internal inquiry, communication strategy) and justify the most balanced option with ethical reasoning. Unlimited powers: Give a nuanced stand that operational freedom is necessary but cannot be unlimited; it must be bounded by legality, proportionality, oversight, and safeguards. Conclusion End by emphasizing that long-term peace requires both effective security action and credible accountability, strengthening public trust and democratic legitimacy.
Why the question
It tests ethical decision-making in high-stakes governance where national security, human rights, and institutional credibility clash. It also checks your ability to handle domestic political pressure and international scrutiny together.
Key Demand of the question
You must identify the ethical dilemma, evaluate response options with justification, and take a reasoned ethical stand on the idea of giving unlimited powers to security squads.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly frame it as a conflict between restoring peace/order and upholding constitutional morality, human dignity, and accountability in a democracy.
• Ethical dilemma: Show the tension between security imperatives and rights-based governance, along with transparency vs institutional integrity.
• Options and choice: Briefly mention the possible institutional responses (independent probe, internal inquiry, communication strategy) and justify the most balanced option with ethical reasoning.
• Unlimited powers: Give a nuanced stand that operational freedom is necessary but cannot be unlimited; it must be bounded by legality, proportionality, oversight, and safeguards.
Conclusion
End by emphasizing that long-term peace requires both effective security action and credible accountability, strengthening public trust and democratic legitimacy.