Certain rights are guaranteed to protect the dignity, honour, and autonomy of individuals. Ethics in the context of rights involves guiding principles that determine morally right or wrong actions in relation to others’ rights. It emphasizes fair, just decisions while respecting human dignity and balancing individual rights with societal welfare.

However, what one has the right to do may not always align with ethical responsibilities. This is evident in various contexts:

1. Companies can legally make as much money as possible, but being socially responsible means making choices that are good for everyone in the long run, not just for the company’s profits right now.
2. We have the right to say what we want, but it’s important to be careful that our words don’t hurt or discriminate against others.
3. Whistleblowing exemplifies the ethical responsibility of speaking up against wrongdoing, as demonstrated by Shanmugan Manjunath, a sales manager who exposed fuel adulteration despite facing threats.
4. The legal right to privacy includes the protection of personal data; ethical responsibility for companies collecting user data involves ensuring its ethical use and protection, as exemplified by UIDAI’s handling of Aadhaar data breaches.
5. The right to property may be misused to exploit others, as seen in cases of hoarding essential resources during a crisis. Additionally, the right to a fair trial is crucial in protecting individuals, even those who have committed serious crimes.

However, what is right to do has to ensure the following things:

1. Prioritizing one’s duty
2. Actively benefiting others
3. Safeguarding the rights of others
4. Reinforcing fundamental values such as empathy and perseverance
5. Contributing to the social ecosystem by fostering fraternity and social cohesion
6. Elevating the reputation and prestige of one’s institution

Examples of what is right to do:

1. In the medical profession, considering treating accident victims even without a police report to prioritize saving lives and preserving the medical community’s reputation.
2. Developed nations have the right to deny entry to immigrants and refugees, but it may not be ethical to turn away those who are persecuted.

The radiant insights of Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, Gandhi’s transformative Talisman and John Rawls’ enlightening Veil of Ignorance serve as guiding beacons, lighting the way towards ethical decision-making and conscientious behaviour