स पक्षवांश्चेदनादेयः विपर्यये पर्यादातव्यः ॥ कZ_०२.९.२४ ॥
sa pakṣavāṃś ced anādeyaḥ viparyaye paryādātavyaḥ
If he has a supporting faction, he should not be proceeded against openly; in the opposite case, he should be made to disgorge (the wealth) through recovery measures.
Avoid direct, public action when the target has strong backing; use indirect methods or wait for conditions that reduce political blowback.
When the official lacks factional protection; then the state can compel restitution and proceed more directly.