Q.4 In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women’s entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In a few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems. (a) What are the key issues at stake here? b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation? (c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties? (20 Marks)

Comments

2 responses to “Q.4 In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women’s entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In a few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems. (a) What are the key issues at stake here? b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation? (c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties? (20 Marks)”

1. 

   June 17, 2022

   Pranav Shirke

   razor id 216516833611

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      June 22, 2022

      Staff @CD

      Pranav

      Decent attempt, broadly you have covered the themes but certain improvements can be made.
      In intro, other than the example mention the situation being one where personal beliefs of a civil servant may induce him/her to act in a partisan manner as well as keep him/her in contravention of their duty to uphold duly passed decisions. Plus you can mention the societal contradictions involved.
      Also before moving to the parts identify the key stake holders involved- People who want to uphold the traditions; activists who want to ascertain their fundamental rights; people directly involved in the administration of the temple such as priests; women as a whole group; authorities responsible for execution of court order, primarily the government of the state and the common citizens in general.
      Issues mentioned are fine- first point can be integrated with women safety. Others are fine.
      Dilemmas are also okay. However, first mention that there is little choice before the officer but to uphold the order with full sincerity.
      Steps to be taken can be a bit more elaborate. Making adequate arrangements including measures to handle emergency, informing district administration and briefing them about conflicts, calling a meeting with stakeholders, appeal to citizens/pilgrims etc all can be mentioned.
      In conclusion you can write one line such as ‘taking the decisions objectively and handling the crowd with emotional intelligence will be the key to maintain an atmosphere free of violence’.