- Impartiality –
- The quality of not being biased or prejudiced
- Taking decisions based on objective criteria
- Administrative significance –
- Sardar patel while addressing the first batch of civil servants called impartiality as one of the key pillars for administration
- Impartiality help taking just decisions (John Rawls veil of ignorance)
- It is an accountability of civil servants to give impartial advice to the government in power
- 2nd ARC recommended impartiality as one of the value in code of ethics
- It means treating all individuals and groups equally and without prejudice – Hence it will help an administrator protect the fundamental right to equality (Article 14 – 18) and right to freedom (Article 19-22)
- Non-partisanship –
- The lack of bias or affiliation with a political party
- Administrative significance –
- During elections, Civil servants play the role of electoral officers, returning officers and even election commissioners. Hence Non-partisanship is a must for a free and fair election process.
- Non-partisanship helps taking better decision at join secretary and above levels, as these officers need to deal with politicians on daily basis and yet take decisions according to service rules and constitutional mandate
- It reduces crony-capitalism and Corruption.
- It builds public trust [Eg. – Trust of people in T N Seshan, the then Chief election commissioner]
A liberal society rests on individualism, freedom, rationality, and the rule of law — principles championed by thinkers like John Locke and Jeremy Bentham.
Free Media as the Mirror of Liberal Society –
- Reflection of Social Realities – Media exposes societal conditions, heroes, and villains, enabling citizens to see governance as it truly operates
- Acts as a “bulletin board” for diverse opinions, truths, and debates essential for social refinement
- Ex – Investigative journalism exposed the 2G spectrum scam, reflecting corruption at high levels
- Accountability Mechanism – Ensures state accountability by exposing abuse of power, corruption, and human rights violations
- Connects citizens with policy-making, promoting participatory governance aligned with Article 19(1)(a) – freedom of speech
- Enforces the Right to Information Act, 2005, making liberty actionable through transparency
However there are some challenges like Misinformation, paid news, TRP-driven culture, and censorship.
Capable Bureaucracy as the Guardian of Liberal Society –
- Upholding Constitutional Morality – Bureaucracy safeguards rule of law, ensuring policies align with Directive Principles and fundamental rights
- Socrates – “Knowledge is the only virtue”; informed civil servants resist political pressure through legal awareness
- Ex – T.N. Seshan reformed elections, exercising independence under the Election Commission of India
- Political Neutrality – Aristotle defined neutrality as a virtue between flattery and hostility toward politicians
- Adherence to All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968 ensures decisions remain free from bias, favoritism, nepotism
- Ex – Nripendra Mishra served under three different governments, maintaining impartiality across political regimes
- Courage and Integrity – Plato’s virtue of courage enables administrators to challenge land mafias, corruption, and illegal practices
- Ex – Ashok Khemka conducted inquiries into the DLF land grab case despite political threats
- Ex – Durga Shakti Nagpal led anti-corruption drives against illegal sand mining
Thus, free media and capable bureaucracy are symbiotic pillars of liberal society – one illuminates truth, the other defends constitutional order.
