In Private relationships (Heading poori nhi likhni..Bs kaam ki) –
- Individual morality – like Empathy Human values – Compassion,
- Social norms – Respect elders, relatives, Social capital
- Religious doctrines – 7 vows in Hindu marriage, anand karaj in Sikhism
- Law of the land – The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
Public –
- Constitution – A 14, 15, 16 etc
- Code of conduct – All India Services Code of Conduct 1968, Rajasthan Civil Services Conduct Rules 1971
- Code of ethics (Hota committee)
- Laws – IPC/CrPC/GST laws
Definition – Ethics in private relationships are informal, self-imposed, and inherited like Family, Siblings, Friends, Wife, partners, etc. Whereas ethics in a public relationship is Formal, externally imposed, and chosen like Doctor-patient, Civil services – Citizen, etc
Quite different –
Factors | Private | Public | Example |
Guided by | Passion (Feelings and emotions) | Reason (Rules and laws) |
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Values | Subjectivity, Confidentiality, Intimacy, Love, Affection, fidelity, Trust, Compassion, Responsibility, Perseverance, Cooperation, Care ethics | Objectivity, Transparency, Accountability, Efficiency, Professionalism, Nationalism, Democratic values, Competition, Justice (Deontology) |
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Durability | Relatively permanent, Need consistent efforts | Temporary in nature, Can take break [Leave, Retirement etc ] |
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Consequences | More tolerance for deviation/errors – Loss of trust and reputation for deviation | Less or little tolerance – Show cause notice, Suspension, fine or even jail term |
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Nature | Terminal, Unconditional |
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Governing factors/source |
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Complete separation is neither desirable nor possible because –
- Few values like compassion, Integrity, etc have a positive spillover effect – Private values provide a base for public values
- Public choice theory – For better governance we need to adopt values like user friendly practices, empathy, Appreciation etc
- Anarcho-communists argue that the state and private property are interdependent institutions. The state exists to protect private property, and the owners of private property protect the state. Hence can’t be separated
- Some private act has public repercussions, hence can’t be separated. Ex – Homosexuality is not merely a private but also a public health risk
- Correcting the historical wrongs in private domain by public acts. Ex – Sabarimala verdict, Triple Talaq verdict
Conclusion – Complete separation of private and public life is neither desirable nor feasible. A public administrator must respect the ‘Laxman Rekha ‘ and use his/her emotional intelligence to maximize the benefit of self and society.
