In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court halted all mining activities in the Aravalli Hills to prevent environmental degradation and preserve the ecological balance. Despite this, illegal stone mining persisted in a border district of the affected state, facilitated by local goons and politicians. A young and dynamic Superintendent of Police (SP) takes charge in the affected district, vowing to halt the stone mining racket. During a surprise inspection, the SP’s team intercepts a loaded truck with illegally mined stones attempting to escape the mining area. The confrontation turns fatal when the truck driver runs over the SP, leaving him dead at the scene. Despite filing an FIR, the police struggle to make headway in the case for months. Sahoo, an investigative journalist working for a prominent TV channel, took it upon himself to delve into the case. Within a few weeks, through interactions with locals, members of the mining mafia, and government officials, he uncovered a complex web of corruption. His investigation revealed that the stone mining operations were being conducted with the tacit approval of corrupt police officers and influential politicians. The local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), known to be very close to the Chief Minister, was deeply involved in the illegal activities. Sahoo compiled his findings into a comprehensive report and presented it to the Chief Managing Director (CMD) of his TV channel. However, the CMD, after reviewing the report, advised Sahoo against making the story public. He disclosed that the implicated MLA was a relative of the TV channel’s owner and held a substantive unofficial share in the channel. The CMD further offered to take care of Sahoo’s promotion and salary hike, as well as adjust the soft loan of 40 lakhs taken for his son’s chronic illness, if Sahoo handed over the investigative report and refrained from publishing it. a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Sahoo? b) What are the options available with Sahoo to cope up with the situation? Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Sahoo.

Topper: Vikas · AIR 27 · 2025 · Page 34