Public life principles, established by the Nolan Committee (1995), form the ethical foundation for governance, ensuring integrity and accountability in democratic institutions.

Basic Principles of Public Life

• Selflessness: Public servants must act solely in the public interest, avoiding personal gain from official positions.

• Integrity: Officials should maintain moral uprightness, avoiding conflicts between personal and professional obligations.

• Objectivity: Decisions must be based on merit and evidence, free from bias, favoritism, or external influence.

• Accountability: Public servants remain answerable for their decisions and actions to the public and oversight bodies.

• Openness: Government operations should be transparent, with information accessible unless legally restricted for security reasons.

• Honesty: Officials must be truthful in their declarations, statements, and dealings with citizens and colleagues.

• Leadership: Public servants should exemplify ethical behavior, promoting and supporting these principles through personal conduct.

Illustration of Three Key Principles

Selflessness in Action

• E. Sreedharan's Metro Projects: Refused personal benefits and ensured Delhi Metro's timely completion within budget, prioritizing public transportation needs.

• Aruna Roy's RTI Advocacy: Sacrificed lucrative career opportunities to champion transparency through the Right to Information Act.

• Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha: Demonstrated ultimate selflessness by leading the Dandi March for India's freedom, facing imprisonment for public cause.

Integrity Through Governance

• Ashok Khemka's Whistleblowing: IAS officer exposed land deals involving Robert Vadra, facing multiple transfers while maintaining ethical stance.

• T.N. Seshan's Election Reforms: As Chief Election Commissioner, implemented strict Model Code of Conduct, ensuring free and fair elections despite political pressure.

• Kiran Bedi's Prison Reforms: Transformed Tihar Jail through innovative rehabilitation programs, maintaining moral principles despite administrative challenges.

Accountability in Public Service

• CAG Reports on 2G Spectrum: Vinod Rai's comprehensive audit exposed corruption worth ₹1.76 lakh crores, ensuring governmental accountability.

• RTI Implementation: Citizens can access government information, exemplified by Shailesh Gandhi's advocacy for transparent governance mechanisms.

• Parliamentary Committees: Public Accounts Committee regularly scrutinizes government expenditure, ensuring fiscal responsibility and democratic oversight.

These principles, rooted in Kantian categorical imperative and Gandhian satyagraha, remain essential for maintaining democratic legitimacy and citizen trust in contemporary governance.