In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties.

 The statement "In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication" suggests that when engaging in actions that are considered morally right or virtuous, individuals have a wider range of permissible behaviors as long as there are no explicit or strongly implied prohibitions. However, it is important to critically examine this statement, particularly in the context of a public servant discharging their duties.

1. Legal Framework and Code of Conduct: Public servants are bound by legal frameworks, regulations, and codes of conduct that provide explicit guidelines for their behavior. These rules and regulations outline what is permissible and prohibited in the course of their duties. Public servants must adhere to these guidelines to maintain the integrity and trust of the public they serve.

2. Ethical Considerations: While the legal framework sets the baseline, ethical considerations go beyond the mere compliance with rules and regulations. Public servants are expected to act ethically, which may involve considerations such as fairness, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Ethical behavior goes beyond what is explicitly prohibited and requires individuals to make judgments based on moral principles and values.

3. Accountability and Public Trust: Public servants have a responsibility to act in the best interest of the public and uphold the trust placed in them. Their actions must align with the principles of good governance, public service values, and the overall well-being of society. Even if certain actions may not be explicitly prohibited, they may still be perceived as unethical if they undermine public trust or violate the spirit of the public servant's role.

Example: A public servant responsible for awarding government contracts may come across a situation where a personal acquaintance submits a bid. While there may not be an explicit prohibition against awarding contracts to acquaintances, the public servant must consider the potential conflict of interest and the principle of fairness. In this case, it would be ethically appropriate for the public servant to recuse themselves from the decision-making process or ensure transparency by disclosing the relationship and allowing for an unbiased evaluation of the bid.

In summary, while the statement suggests that a wider range of actions is permitted in the pursuit of good deeds as long as they are not expressly or implicitly prohibited, it is important for public servants to consider legal frameworks, codes of conduct, and ethical considerations in the discharge of their duties. Ethical behavior goes beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations and requires public servants to act in the best interest of the public, maintain accountability, and uphold public trust.