“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law”. Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant, highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in Public Administration

“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law”. Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant, highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in Public Administration (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

 

Introduction

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in the Constituent Assembly, emphasized that constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but has to be cultivated. It refers to adherence to the core values of the Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, and rule of law—beyond the text, in spirit and practice. For public servants, constitutional morality guides conduct, decision-making, and accountability in public administration.

 

Significance of Constitutional Morality for Public Servants

1. Upholding Rule of Law
• Ensures that decisions are based on legality and fairness, not personal whims or political pressures.
• Example: Adherence to due process in law enforcement prevents arbitrariness and misuse of authority.
2. Safeguarding Fundamental Rights
• Public servants act as protectors of citizens’ rights against discrimination, exploitation, or excessive state power.
• Example: Police ensuring protection of minority rights during communal tensions.
3. Promoting Equality and Social Justice
• Constitutional morality demands impartiality, fairness, and empathy in administration, especially for vulnerable groups.
• Example: Implementing welfare schemes without bias or corruption.
4. Encouraging Ethical Decision-Making
• Helps officers navigate ethical dilemmas where law is silent but constitutional values provide guidance.
• Example: Balancing environmental protection with industrial development.
5. Strengthening Democratic Values
• By adhering to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance, public servants strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions.

 

Role in Promoting Good Governance and Accountability

1. Transparency & Integrity – Constitutional morality requires decisions to be open to public scrutiny, reducing corruption.
2. Accountability Mechanism – Encourages responsiveness to citizens, making administration people-centric.
3. Checks against Arbitrary Power – Upholds constitutional principles to prevent misuse of discretionary authority.
4. Citizen-Centric Governance – Ensures inclusiveness, dignity, and empowerment of marginalized sections.
5. Judicial Interpretation – The Supreme Court (e.g., Navtej Johar v. Union of India, 2018) has reinforced constitutional morality as a safeguard against majoritarian impulses.

 

Conclusion

Constitutional morality is the ethical compass for public servants, ensuring that governance goes beyond efficiency and legality to embody the spirit of justice, fairness, and accountability. By internalizing these values, public administration can truly achieve the vision of the Constitution—“a just, egalitarian, and democratic society”.