Fair Treatment — Ethical Standards

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
AIS Conduct Rules, 2014	2014	The All India Services (Conduct) Amendment Rules, 2014 inserted express duties concerning merit, fairness and impartiality into rule 3 of the 1968 rules. Rule 3(1A) also requires responsiveness to the public, particularly weaker sections, and courtesy. Rule 3(2B) requires merit-based choices and decisions, fair and impartial action, and non-discrimination, particularly against poor and underprivileged people. These are service-rule amendments made under the All India Services Act, not an amendment to the Constitution.	Fair treatment has both a decision standard and a service standard. An officer must use relevant criteria while ensuring that avoidable barriers or discourteous treatment do not prevent a person from pursuing a valid claim. Responsiveness does not authorise a private exception to eligibility. In a case answer, state the lawful criterion, identify the access problem and choose a consistent remedy. The rules cited apply to members of the All India Services; other personnel require their own applicable conduct framework.