← All questionsGS4 · 2024 · Ethics Theory ·Form vs Substance in Administration
QUESTION PYQ 09
GS4
10 marks

Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent” Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

WRITE IN
7 min
150 words

What the examiner wants

For Form vs Substance in Administration, examine in sequence: first, Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive…; then, Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.. Keep evidence and the conclusion tied to these exact limbs.

ExamineGo into the details, test each point against evidence, and conclude on what it shows.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent”≈55 words
  2. 2Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations≈55 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Interpret/define Form vs Substance in AdministrationCore ethical principleCompeting value or limitPublic-service applicationConcrete examplePrincipled conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Over-writing ‘Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering…’ while reducing ‘Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.’ to a token paragraph
  • Giving only one side on Form vs Substance in Administration; the directive requires a limitation, counter-view or implementation test before the final judgment

Value addition

  • Form vs Substance in Administration: ethical balance triangle — principle → competing value → public-interest resolution
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Verified value additions

These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.