Shloka 106
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
दुष्टो गृहीतस्तत्कारी तज्ज्ैर्दृष्ट: सकारण: । कच्चिन्न मुच्यते स्तेनो द्रव्यलोभान्नरर्षभ,नरश्रेष्ठ) कोई ऐसा दुष्ट चोर जो चोरी करते समय गृहरक्षकोंद्वारा देख लिया गया और चोरीके मालसहित पकड़ लिया गया हो, धनके लोभसे छोड़ तो नहीं दिया जाता?
duṣṭo gṛhītastatkārī tajjñair dṛṣṭaḥ sakāraṇaḥ | kaccin na mucyate steno dravyalobhān naraṛṣabha ||
Nārada said: “If a wicked thief is caught in the very act—seen by those who know the facts, with clear cause and proof—surely he is not released out of greed for wealth, O bull among men? Is such a criminal ever let go because of bribes or desire for property?”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a standard of righteous governance: when guilt is evident and witnessed, justice should not be subverted by greed. Releasing a proven offender for wealth (bribes or personal gain) is presented as a moral failure and a breach of dharma.
Nārada poses a pointed rhetorical question to a leading man/kingly figure, using the example of a thief caught red-handed. The question probes whether, in that realm, criminals are ever improperly freed due to desire for wealth—implicitly testing the integrity of administration and judgment.