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[Solved] UPSC Ethics 2025 PYQ Case Study – Deputy Commissioner Vijay vs Personal Loss

UPSC CSE | GS IV Ethics Paper | Case Study 1

Q. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People’s houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.

(a) What are the options available with Vijay?
(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?

Introduction

The case highlights a classic conflict between personal obligation and professional duty. Vijay, as Deputy Commissioner, faces a grave ethical dilemma—whether to fulfill his filial duty toward his late mother or to continue leading life-saving operations in a disaster-stricken district. The decision tests his compassion as a son and his commitment as a civil servant.

Stakeholders

Vijay himself,
the affected citizens,
the state administration,
and the family members awaiting last rites.

(a) Options Available to Vijay

  1. Leave immediately for Kerala to perform the last rites.

  2. Stay in the district and continue leading relief operations.

  3. Ask his sister in the US to perform the last rites.

  4. Request the government to depute another officer and then proceed home.

(b) Ethical Dilemmas

  1. Personal vs Professional Duty – filial responsibility versus public service.

  2. Care Ethics vs Duty Ethics – compassion for his mother versus Kantian sense of duty.

  3. Conscience vs Guilt – whether to face guilt of leaving citizens in crisis or remorse of missing his mother’s last rites.

  4. Emotional Integrity vs Administrative Responsibility – balancing emotional needs with accountability to the people.

(c) Critical Evaluation of Options

1. Leave immediately for Kerala
Merits:
Fulfills his moral and religious duty as a son; reflects compassion and care ethics.
Demerits:
Dereliction of duty in crisis; disruption of rescue operations; loss of public trust.

2. Stay and perform his official duty
Merits:
Shows dedication to public service and commitment to saving lives; ensures coordination and morale of staff.
Demerits:
Personal pain, social criticism, and emotional burden for not fulfilling filial duty.

3. Ask his sister to perform last rites
Merits:
Allows Vijay to remain in command while ensuring rites are conducted.
Demerits:
Sister’s delayed arrival; goes against tradition where children must be present; may appear as shifting personal responsibility.

4. Request deputation of another officer
Merits:
Ensures temporary continuity and allows him to attend rites after hand-over.
Demerits:
Time-consuming; administrative gap during a critical phase; shows weak crisis management.

(d) Most Appropriate Option

The most appropriate course is for Vijay to continue his duty in the district until the immediate crisis stabilises, while arranging for close relatives or trusted local persons to conduct preliminary rites and perform the final rituals later.

This decision aligns with ethical governance, public interest, and emotional integrity. As a civil servant, his foremost duty lies in protecting lives and ensuring effective disaster response. Once stability returns, he can take compassionate leave to personally perform memorial rites.

Conclusion

Vijay’s situation embodies the true spirit of public service ethics—placing collective welfare above personal sorrow. By exercising self-control, compassion, and commitment to duty, he upholds both administrative morality and personal virtue.

Video Reference:

Watch the full discussion by Piyush Kumar Sinha Sir on Ethics Edge Series – Click here