“In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties. (150 words)
The statement “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication” suggests that as long as an action is not prohibited, a public servant is free to take any action that he or she believes is in the public interest. However, this statement must be examined in the context of a public servant’s duties and the ethical principles that guide their behavior.
Ethical principles for public servants
- Public servants are guided by ethical principles such as accountability, transparency, impartiality, and integrity.
- They must act in the public interest and avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise their decision-making.
Limitations to permissible actions
- While there may not be a clear prohibition on a particular action, a public servant must consider whether the action is consistent with their ethical principles and duties.
- For example, accepting a gift may not be prohibited, but it may compromise a public servant’s impartiality and integrity.
Examples of permissible and impermissible actions
- Permissible: A public servant may choose to speak out against corruption within their department, even if there is no explicit rule or policy prohibiting them from doing so.
- Impermissible: A public servant may not use their position to benefit their personal interests, even if there is no explicit rule prohibiting them from doing so.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the statement “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication” must be examined in the context of a public servant’s ethical principles and duties.
- While there may not be a clear prohibition on a particular action, a public servant must consider whether the action is consistent with their ethical principles and duties, and avoid any actions that compromise their integrity, impartiality, or accountability.
![Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy. [2022]](https://i0.wp.com/www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/plugins/contextual-related-posts/default.png?resize=600%2C0&ssl=1 "Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy. [2022]")