Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalnes and carries out true intent” Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks (2024 General Studies Paper – 4)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who made the statement emphasizes the need to look beyond rigid interpretations (the form) and understand the true intent (the substance) behind actions. He suggests that blindly following the letter of the law can lead to injustice. A perceptive civil servant must prioritize the true purpose of policies, which involves empathy, fairness, and a deeper understanding of the situation. The two illustrations are as below: -
In the judicial system, judges are often tasked with interpreting laws that can be rigid or overly formal. A purely literal interpretation of such laws might not account for their broader societal impact or the justice they aim to achieve. For instance, in the Nirbhaya case, strict legal procedures were followed, but public sentiment and social justice required deeper empathy to ensure that the punishment reflected the gravity of the crime. A perceptive judge, understanding the substance of the law—promoting justice and fairness—ensures that decisions align with ethical values of human dignity and rights.
In public administration, bureaucratic technicalities can sometimes override fairness. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many migrant workers were denied government aid due to procedural issues. A rigid application of rules led to immense suffering. A civil servant, however, who focuses on the true intent of the welfare programs—providing relief to those in need—might take proactive measures to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving individuals, even if it means relaxing certain formalities. This aligns with ethical principles of compassion and justice.
Civil servants hence must look beyond the formalities and rules (form) and focus on the broader goals and ethical implications (substance) behind them and ensure that the spirit of governance is upheld and serves society’s most vulnerable members effectively.
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