You are the District Magistrate (DM) of one of the districts of Manipur, where an abominable incident has recently taken place. Two tribal women were paraded naked, assaulted, and humiliated by a mob. The incident, unfortunately, was recorded and the video has gone viral, leading to a national outrage. Despite the horrific incident happening over two months ago, no arrests have been made so far. The victims are part of the tribal community and claim that due to a violent mob outbreak in their village, they were compelled to flee their homes. The mob armed with sophisticated weapons intercepted them while they were under police protection and unleashed the atrocities. This incident also led to the death of two family members who were trying to protect them. As the DM, the situation presents a complex interplay of ethical, legal, administrative, and societal challenges. It involves delicate tribal dynamics, serious law and order concerns, severe human rights violations, and pressure from political interventions. Questions: 1. In the light of moral and ethical principles, what immediate actions will you undertake as the District Magistrate to ensure justice for the victims while simultaneously maintaining the harmony and peace in the district? 2. As a responsible administrative officer, what preemptive strategies will you develop to prevent such instances of communal and gender-based violence in the future, particularly focusing on the protection and rights of vulnerable tribal communities? 3. How will you manage the external political pressures to maintain the sanctity of your administration and uphold the rule of law in the district? 4. Considering the magnitude of the situation and its national implications, what recommendations will you put forward to the state and national governments to avert such grave violations against women, particularly those belonging to tribal communities, in the future? How do your proposals align with the ethical and moral considerations? (GS Paper 4, Ethics)

Model Answer for Question 1:

As the District Magistrate, my immediate actions would be grounded on principles of justice, compassion, and equality. I would:

Ensure immediate medical and psychosocial support for the victims to address their physical and mental trauma.
Expedite the investigations by directing law enforcement agencies to arrest the accused swiftly. I would employ a fair and transparent investigation process, upholding the principles of justice and legality.
Initiate open dialogues and peacekeeping meetings within the community to ease tensions and promote understanding, fostering harmony.
Collaborate with local NGOs, community leaders, and women’s groups to build trust and confidence among the victimized community, ensuring their concerns are addressed and rights protected.
Model Answer for Question 2:

To prevent such instances, my strategies would be centered on proactive governance, social justice, and community empowerment:

Establish regular community policing and security measures in sensitive areas, ensuring safety for vulnerable communities.
Promote intercommunity dialogues and cultural exchange programs to enhance mutual respect and understanding among different communities.
Implement gender-sensitization programs and awareness campaigns on tribal rights, enhancing societal empathy and respect for human rights.
Collaborate with NGOs and civic organizations to conduct regular educational and vocational programs, empowering tribal communities and improving their socio-economic status.
Model Answer for Question 3:

To manage external political pressures, I would uphold principles of integrity, impartiality, and commitment to public service:

Stand firm on the principles of the rule of law, ensuring decisions are made impartially without yielding to political influences.
Maintain transparency in all administrative actions to reduce space for undue influence and manipulation.
Seek guidance and assistance from higher authorities when necessary, adhering to the chain of command in the administrative system.
Regularly engage with media and public to keep them informed about the developments in the case, maintaining public trust in the administration.
Model Answer for Question 4:

In order to avert such grave violations, my recommendations would focus on systemic changes, socio-economic development, and legal reforms:

Advocate for stronger legislation and stricter enforcement against gender and tribal-based violence, ensuring legal deterrence against such acts.
Push for increased representation of tribal communities in local governance and decision-making processes, enabling their empowerment.
Recommend implementation of comprehensive educational and skill development programs for tribal communities, improving their socio-economic conditions.
Propose establishment of special fast-track courts for speedy justice in cases of grave crimes against women and marginalized communities. These proposals, grounded on principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity, align with ethical and moral considerations.