GS4 · UPSC Mains

Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf years, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset, but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action? (20 marks, 250 words)

20 marks · 250 words · 22 toppers answered this · seen 2023, 2025

GS4 · Case studies on the above issues GS4 · Attitude — content, structure, function; influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion

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