Kerala Viral Bus Video Incident

January 2026

·   Shimjitha Musthafa - A social media influencer and U Deepak – 42 Year Old Person

Ethical Issues

Value	Meaning
Gender justice	Protecting women from harassment
Due process	Innocent until proven guilty
Freedom of expression	Right to speak
Right to reputation & privacy	Not to be destroyed without proof
Digital ethics	Responsible use of social media

 

Who is wrong in the above incident?

• If harassment happened → the man is wrong.
• If it was accidental → public shaming was wrong.
• Regardless → online mob behavior was wrong.
• The tragedy shows systemic ethical failure in digital society.

Ethical Conclusion

·         Justice must be sought through institutions, not through viral videos.

·         Compassion must coexist with caution.

·         Empathy must be balanced with evidence.

Public Service Related Key Words

 

Conscience - Revision Notes

 

Ethical Dilemma

 

Law and Humanity

 

Keywords Related to Workplace Issues

 

Case Study Practice

 An apparel manufacturing company having a large number of women employees was losing sales due to various factors. The company hired a reputed marketing executive, who increased the volume of sales within a short span of time. However, some unconfirmed reports came up regarding his indulgence in sexual harassment at the workplace.

After sometime a woman employee launched a formal complaint to the management against the marketing executive about sexually harassing her. Faced with the companies’ indifference, in not taking cognizance of her grievances, she lodged an FIR with the police.

Realizing the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, the company called the woman employee to negotiate. In that she was offered a hefty sum of money to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and also give in writing that the marketing executive is not involved in the case.

 Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the woman employee? 

Key Points

Ethical Issues Involved in the Case

·         Sexual Harassment at Workplace

·         Organisational Apathy and Ethical Failure

·         Profit vs Ethics Dilemma

·         Bribery and Coercion

·         Suppression of Truth

·         Gender Justice and Power Asymmetry

Options Available to the Woman Employee

·         Option 1: Accept the Monetary Offer and Withdraw the Case

·         Option 2: Whistleblower / Public Disclosure

·         Option 3: Reject the Offer and Pursue Legal Action

 

Key Words to Learn/Use

·         Hostile work environment

·         Bodily autonomy

·         Institutional insensitivity

·         Duty of care

·         Obstruction of justice

·         Systemic injustice

·         Power Asymmetry

·         Culture of impunity (People believe they can “get away with wrongdoing without punishment.)

Best Ethical Course of Action

·         Think Yourself  (Thank You)