Justice and public interest lie at the heart of governance, with government officials entrusted to uphold these principles impartially. However, recent trends reveal an alarming number of officials compromising their ethical responsibilities for personal gain. This growing dependency on government favour for job security, promotions, and post-retirement perks reflects a deeper crisis: a weakening of faith in Allah (God, Ishwar) as the ultimate provider (Raziq). The Qur’an reminds us:
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.”(Quran 51:58)
This verse underscores the belief that sustenance and provision come solely from Allah, not from any worldly power or authority. When this spiritual conviction wanes, it paves the way for injustice and ethical compromise, corroding the very foundations of governance. Restoring faith in Allah as the ultimate provider is essential for nurturing a sense of accountability and upholding the principles of justice and integrity in public service.
The Role of Government Officials in Justice and Administration
Government officials are entrusted with the sacred duty of administering justice and safeguarding public interest. The Quran commands believers to uphold justice even against their personal or familial interests:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” (Quran 4:135)
Historically, impartiality and fairness were the bedrock of good governance, as exemplified by figures like Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab, whose administration ensured that even the Caliph was not above the law. This legacy stands in stark contrast to the current trend of prioritising self-interest over public duty.
Factors Leading to Compromise
Political Pressure
Government officials often align their actions with the agendas of powerful political leaders. The fear of dissent leads many to compromise their impartiality, eroding the integrity of the bureaucracy. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺwarned against favouritism and unjust practices:
“The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment and closest to Him will be the just ruler.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1329)
Job Security Concerns
The fear of career stagnation or job loss prompts officials to appease those in power. This dependency creates a vicious cycle, where ethical considerations are sacrificed for promotions or stability. Such behaviour reflects a lack of trust in Allah’s provision:
“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision.” (Quran 11:6)
Post-Retirement Benefits
The lure of lucrative post-retirement positions fosters a culture of quid pro quo, where decisions are tailored to secure future benefits. This compromises not only justice but also public trust in governance.
The Crisis of Faith
At the root of this ethical erosion is a weakening of faith in Allah as the Sustainer. Financial insecurity often drives officials to unethical decision-making, leading to both spiritual and societal consequences. The Quran reminds us:
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Quran 65:2-3)
This lack of reliance on Allah’s promise fosters moral decay, further alienating officials from their responsibilities.
Instances of Compromised Justice
Whistle-blower Dismissed for Exposing Corruption
Rajendra Kumar Case (2015)
Rajendra Kumar, a senior bureaucrat and the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Delhi, was dismissed after he was accused of irregularities in awarding contracts. However, Kumar claimed that his dismissal was a retaliatory action due to his earlier observations regarding the corrupt practices of various officials within the Delhi government. He had raised issues concerning the functioning of the government’s health department, and his whistleblowing reportedly put him at odds with political interests. His case highlighted the dangers that whistle-blowers face in India, often being silenced when they expose corruption.
Judicial Decisions Influenced by Political Interests
Justice B.H. Loya Case (2018)
The death of Judge B.H. Loya in 2014, who was presiding over the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case, raised suspicions regarding the circumstances of his death and the judicial process surrounding the trial. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that Loya’s death was due to natural causes, dismissing allegations of foul play. Many criticised this decision, citing how political interests influenced the judicial process since the case involved high-profile politicians, including the current Home Minister Amit Shah. This case illustrated concerns regarding political interference in the judiciary, leading to a perceived compromise in the pursuit of justice.
The Calcutta High Court Decision on Political Fund Misuse (2019)
In 2019, the Calcutta High Court dismissed a petition seeking the investigation into the alleged misuse of political party funds during the West Bengal panchayat elections. The ruling was seen as influenced by political pressures, particularly given the ongoing tensions and allegations of electoral malpractice between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition. Critics argued that this decision reflected a broader trend where political interests overshadowed legal merits, undermining the integrity of the judicial process.
The Babri Masjid Case
The Babri Masjid case illustrates how justice can be compromised by historical grievances, political ambition, and communal tensions, ultimately undermining secular principles and eroding public trust in state institutions. Built in 1528 in Ayodhya, the mosque became a flashpoint in Hindu-Muslim relations due to claims that it stood on the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram, where a Ram Janmabhoomi temple was alleged to have previously existed.
This tension escalated to the mosque’s demolition on December 6, 1992, by a mob of Hindu activists and leaders. Subsequent judicial decisions further fuelled perceptions of bias, notably the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict, which divided the disputed land in a way that seemed more intent on placating the majority than delivering justice. In 2019, the Supreme Court awarded the entire site to the Hindu community for temple construction while rejecting the claim that the mosque was built by demolishing a temple, citing a lack of conclusive evidence in the Archaeological Survey of India’s report.
This decision was widely viewed as influenced by the political context, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promoting the temple’s construction as a key part of its ideological agenda, highlighting how judicial processes can be swayed by socio-political forces at the expense of legal righteousness and the rule of law.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Verily, Allah is with the judge as long as he is not unjust. If he is unjust, Allah will leave him in the attendance of Satan.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1330)
The Broader Societal Implications
The moral failure of government officials has far-reaching effects:
- Public Institutions as Tools of Oppression
The Delhi Riots (2020)
The riots in Delhi during February 2020, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, raised questions about the role of law enforcement. Videos emerged showing police inaction or, in some instances, allegedly actively participating in the violence against specific communities. This led to widespread perceptions that the police were acting as tools of oppression rather than protectors of the public, particularly against minority communities.
Institutional Violence Against Protesters
The crackdown on peaceful protestors during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in 2019-2020 is another illustration. Government officials were accused of authorising police violence against demonstrators, including in places like Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh. The brutal handling of protests eroded trust in public institutions, painting them as enforcers of governmental will rather than guardians of democratic expressions.
Disillusionment Fuels Social Unrest and Weakens Democracy
The Anti-Corruption Movement (2011)
The widespread protests led by Anna Hazare in 2011 against corruption in high places showcased public disillusionment with government institutions’ failure to address graft and misconduct. This movement highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency, demonstrating how citizens resort to mass mobilisation when they feel their voices are not heard within the established democratic framework.
The Farmer Protests (2020-2021)
The large-scale farmers’ protests against the controversial farm laws enacted in 2020 are a reflection of deep-rooted disillusionment with the government. Farmers felt marginalised and unheard, leading to ongoing protests and clashes with law enforcement. The unrest highlighted significant gaps in governance and worsened the sentiment of distrust among the farming community towards state institutions designed to protect their rights, the matter continues.
Ethical Lapses Leading to Systemic Corruption and Inequality
Punjab National Bank Fraud (2018)
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, which involved billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and resulted in a loss of over ₹14,000 crore (approximately $2 billion), was a glaring example of systemic corruption in the banking sector. Senior officials and employees engaged in unethical practices, leading to significant financial mismanagement. The fallout from this scandal not only impacted the bank and its stakeholders – leading to job losses and economic instability – but also highlighted how such corruption can undermine public trust in financial institutions, further perpetuating economic inequalities among the poor and middle class.
COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Issues (2021)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, allegations surfaced regarding the unethical allocation of vaccines, where certain states and localities received preferential treatment compared to others. Reports indicated that political affiliations influenced the distribution, with some regions receiving fewer doses despite higher infection rates. This created inequities in healthcare access, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities and deepening existing health disparities. The lack of transparency and accountability in vaccine procurement and distribution underscored systemic corruption within public health governance.
Digital India Scams (2021)
Various scams associated with the Digital India initiative have raised ethical concerns, with reports of misappropriation of funds intended for digital infrastructure development. Vendors and contractors allegedly engaged in collusion with government officials to inflate costs and deliver subpar services. These lapses have hindered access to digital resources for many citizens, especially in rural areas, perpetuating inequality in access to technology and information.
The Quran warns against such societal decay:
“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned.” (Quran 30:41)
A Call to Restore Integrity and Faith
The erosion of justice in public service stems from a crisis of faith and dependency on worldly benefits. Upholding integrity and returning to the principles of faith can restore public trust and strengthen governance.
Let us heed the Quranic call:
“Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e., justice and worshipping none but Allah alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan (i.e., being patient in performing your duties to Allah perfectly), and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e., all that Allah has ordered you to give them). He forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e., all evil deeds), Al-Munkar (i.e., all that is prohibited by Allah), and Al-Baghyi (i.e., all kinds of oppression). He admonishes you that you may take heed.” (Quran 4:58)
Only by aligning our actions with divine guidance can we reclaim the moral high ground and ensure justice prevails.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]