Professional ethics refers to the set of moral principles, values, standards, and conduct that guide individuals in performing their duties with integrity, fairness, accountability, and respect for stakeholders. 

As Immanuel Kant argued, professionals must act according to universal moral duties, not personal gain. In public service, this becomes even more crucial because decisions affect citizens directly. 

Professional ethics means:

1. Performing duties honestly and impartially.
2. Maintaining confidentiality and accountability.
3. Using competence and expertise responsibly.
4. Respecting laws, organisational values, and societal expectations.
5. Putting public interest above personal or organisational interest.

It ensures trust, quality, and integrity in any profession.

One Ethical Dilemma a Civil Servant Often Faces

1. A common dilemma for civil servants is: Should an officer follow rules and protect public interest, or yield to political/organisational pressure to favour an individual or group?
2. Example: A District Magistrate is pressured by a powerful political leader to divert disaster-relief funds to a non-affected area for electoral gains.
3. If the officer agrees, it violates integrity, fairness, and public trust and harms genuinely affected citizens.
4. If the officer refuses, it may lead to transfer, harassment, or career stagnation.

Thus, the dilemma is a clash between:

1. Ethical duty vs. political/organisational pressure, and
2. Public interest vs. personal consequences.

How Should a Civil Servant Handle This Ethical Dilemma?

• Apply Ethical Principles

• • • Nolan Principles: integrity, accountability, selflessness.
    • Constitutional morality: uphold equality and justice.
    • Kant’s duty ethics: act according to what is right, not convenient.

• Follow Service Rules & Codes

• • • Conduct Rules require impartiality, rule-bound behaviour, and rejection of undue influence.
    • Cite financial rules, disaster-management protocols, and audit guidelines.

• Communicate Firmly but Respectfully

• • • Explain legal consequences, audit risks, and possible public backlash.
    • Provide a rule-based alternative if available.

• Use Institutional Support

• • • Consult seniors, legal advisors, or seek written instructions.
    • Escalate the matter if the pressure persists.

• Choose Ethical Action

• • • If conflict remains unresolved, the civil servant must prioritise public interest and rule of law, even at the cost of personal inconvenience.
    • This upholds the oath of office and strengthens administrative ethics.

Professional ethics guides civil servants to choose public welfare over personal comfort. Ethical dilemmas like political pressure are common, but by relying on constitutional values, service rules, ethical principles, and institutional mechanisms, civil servants can make morally correct decisions. Such integrity-driven leadership reinforces citizens’ trust and strengthens democratic governance.