(i) Constitutional morality - It means “a paramount reverence for the forms of the constitution, enforcing obedience to authority and acting under and within these forms, yet combined with the habit of open speech, of action subject only to definite legal control. Constitutional morality is crucial for constitutional laws to be effective, without constitutional morality, the operation of constitution will tend to be arbitrary and effective.
E.g.; - In Naz foundation case, Delhi HC invoked Constitutional morality in decriminalizing consensual sexual relationship proscribed by Section 377 of IPC. Similarly, in Sabrimala judgement, Hon. Supreme Court bypassed the doctrine of essentiality to uphold supremacy of constitutional morality.
(ii) Conflict of interest - Conflict of interest arises when what is in a person’s best interest is not in the best interest of another person or organization to which that individual owes loyalty. Conflict of interest can also exist when a person must answer to two different individuals or groups whose needs are at odds with each other.
E.g. - if a legislator attempts to profit from knowledge, this becomes example of insider trading. Bill and Melinda gates foundation has stakes in both manufacturing and sales of vaccination.
(iii) Probity in public life - Complete and confirmed integrity, uprightness, and honesty in following the process. It is incorruptibility of character and possession of uprightness in the matters of governance like service delivery. Probity ensures accountability, integrity, compliance with process, preserves public confidence in governance process and avoid any potential for misconduct, fraud and corruption.
E.g., M Visvesvaraya can be called as an example of probity in public life.
Lal bahadur Shastri, TN Sheshan never used public offices for personal gains and can be cited as examples of probity in public life.
(iv) Challenges of digitization - Digitization refers to application of ICT to make government SMART- Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent. Challenges of digitization include issues like privacy concern, trust, reliability, data security, cybercrimes, computer made decisions, technology dependence, digital divide.
(v) Devotion to duty- Means a strong feeling of loyalty, love, and admiration that a civil servant must have for the duty. Devotion to duty enables his will to exert more time, energy, and effort in fulfilment of his duty. Devotion to duty is opposed to indifference to duty or easy-going or light-hearted approach to duty.
E.g.; - S Manjunath is an example of devoted civil servant. He laid down his life while exposing adulteration and corruption at petrol pumps.
TN Subramani an IAS officer is known for his devotion to duty, he exposed illegal granite mining and nexus between mining mafia and politicians in Tamil Nadu.
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