question_answer

Rule B.         When a State undertakes any measure, everyone affected must have an equal chance to benefit from it

Problem 9 Rule A.         When a State undertakes any measure, the effects of the measure have to be the same for all those who are affected by it. Facts             100 mountaineers embarked on an extremely risky climbing expedition in Leh. Weather conditions worsened five days into the expedition and the mountaineers are trapped under heavy snow. The government received information of this tragedy only two weeks after the unfortunate incident and has only 24 h in which to send rescue helicopters. Weather stations across the world confirm that this particular region of Leh will experience blizzards of unprecedented intensity for almost two weeks after this 24 h window rendering any helicopter activity in the region impossible and certain death for anyone left behind. The government has only five rescue helicopters with a maximum capacity of 50 people (excluding pilots and requisite soldiers) and these helicopters can fly only once in 24 h to such altitudes. As the Air Force gets ready to send the helicopters, an emergency hearing is convened in the Supreme Court to challenge this measure as this would leave 50 people to die.

As the government prepares to send in rescue helicopters, which option would be acceptable only under Rule B and not Rule A

A)  A lottery to choose the 50 survivors excluding those diagnosed with terminal illnesses from participating in the lottery

B)  A lottery to decide the 50 survivors with single parents of children below five years of age automatically qualifying to be rescued

C)  The 50 youngest people should be rescued

D)  None of the above