UPSC Ethics Simplified: What should Civil Services aspirants know about constitutional values in contemporary times?

As we celebrate 75 years of the Indian Constitution, we witness an evolution in the very essence of justice. The image of the Goddess of Justice no longer requires a sword to enforce authority or a blindfold to signify impartiality. As former Chief Justice of India, Shri Dhananjay Yashwant Chandrachud, remarked, the law must not remain blind. Instead, it must gaze openly and equally upon all citizens, ensuring justice is administered with clarity, empathy, and fairness.

Why must a civil servant embody these values, not just in actions but in ethical spirit?

True justice does not reside in the vestiges of colonial legacies but in the relentless pursuit of civil rights and the moral compass outlined by our Constitution. For civil servants, this is not just an aspiration—it is a mandate. Their role is to work with integrity, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Constitutional values are the foundation of a just society, ensuring dignity, fairness, and equality for all, irrespective of identity. For civil servants, these values are not abstract ideals; they are the lifeblood of governance. A civil servant’s integrity shapes public trust, and their decisions manifest the democratic ideals we strive to uphold.

But why are constitutional values indispensable? 

Consider this: imagine someone enquiring about your name or community before completing a simple transaction, or an auto driver questioning your caste or religion before beginning the ride. Such moments expose the cracks in our societal fabric, reminding us of the urgent need to rise above divisive tendencies.

Contrast this with an act of quiet heroism—a recent episode involving an auto driver who rushed a passenger, Saif Ali Khan, to safety without asking for payment or questioning his identity. It’s a story of humanity transcending prejudice. But it also begs the question: would the same altruism have been extended to someone less famous?

Saif Ali Khan meets auto driver Bhagat Singh Rana who saved his life (Photo: IANS / X)

The answer lies in how deeply we internalize constitutional values. Look at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where millions from diverse backgrounds unite at the Sangam, dissolving barriers of caste and religion in a shared spirit of harmony. It stands as a testament to the potential of inclusivity and the power of our shared humanity.

An estimated 40 crore people are expected to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, which will continue until February 26, 2025. (Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)

How does the journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar offer profound lessons in justice and equality?

As a young boy ostracized for his caste, Ambedkar endured unimaginable hardships. Yet, those adversities became the foundation of his unwavering resolve to champion equality. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, he transformed personal pain into a roadmap for societal progress. Reflecting on the contradictions of 1950 India, Ambedkar warned that political equality would mean little without social and economic justice. His vision underscores the urgency of bridging these gaps, even today.

As Adam Smith wrote in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, “In solitude, we feel everything related to us very intensely.” Ambedkar’s solitude became the crucible in which he forged a vision for a more equitable India. Shashi Tharoor aptly captures this in Ambedkar: A Life, highlighting how the Constitution centers on the individual, balancing their rights and responsibilities within the democratic framework.

Yet, as a society, why do we tolerate the erosion of these ideals? Why do caste and religion still divide us when our Constitution champions unity through “Jai Hind”? Technology like AI or Google Maps does not discriminate, so why do we? When we board a train or visit a doctor, we don’t question the caste or religion of those responsible for our safety and well-being. This trust embodies the principles of equality and fraternity that guide our Constitution.

As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar transformed personal pain into a roadmap for societal progress.

Amartya Sen, in The Idea of Justice, reminds us that justice must be universal, impartial, and rooted in consequences. Without these values, society fractures. Protecting dignity, life, and rights is not just a constitutional duty; it is the essence of humanity.

Take a moment to imagine standing at Lal Chowk in Kashmir. As we search for our identity within constitutional values, distinctions between Hindu and Muslim fade among the tourists and citizens gathered there. Instead, the sight of the national flag fluttering in the breeze unites every gaze, dissolving divisions of identity. This is the power of constitutional values—a shared identity that transcends differences and anchors us in a collective vision of progress.

On November 25, 1949, in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar articulated a timeless truth: the strength of a Constitution lies not in its words but in the integrity of those who implement it. “No matter how good a Constitution may be, it can turn out to be bad if those tasked with implementing it lack integrity.” For civil servants, this is a solemn reminder. Governance is not just about policies; it is about embodying the values that make democracy meaningful. Upholding freedom, equality, and justice is not an option—it is a responsibility that defines the future of our nation.

Let us strive to make our actions a reflection of these values, ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document—a beacon guiding India toward unity, dignity, and progress. 

Post Read Questions for UPSC Ethics paper and Interviews:

Dear UPSC Aspirants,

The above article holds no value if it doesn’t guide you to some thought-provoking questions, especially from the perspective of ethics. Try them out. 

1. What ethical standards should civil servants hold themselves to in order to maintain the integrity of the Constitution, especially in a diverse democracy like India? Discuss in the light of Ambedkar’s remark that a Constitution is only as good as the people who implement it.

2. In the anecdote of the auto driver helping Saif Ali Khan, would the same altruism apply to someone less well-known? How should ethics be independent of the beneficiary’s fame, status and identity?

3. The article points out that technologies like AI and Google Maps do not discriminate, yet human interactions often do. How can ethical governance ensure that human values evolve to match the neutrality and fairness seen in technology? Should governments leverage technology to reinforce constitutional values?

(The writer is the author of ‘Being Good’, ‘Aaiye, Insaan Banaen’, ‘Kyon’ and ‘Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness’. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (concepts and caselets) fortnightly.)

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