Shloka 25
Vyavahāra-Śuddhi and Rājadharma: Clean Administration, Counsel, and Proportional Punishment
Chapter 86
न परस्य प्रवादेन परेषां दण्डमर्पयेत् । आगमानुगमं कृत्वा बध्नीयान्मोक्षयीत वा,राजा दूसरेके अपराधपर दूसरोंको दण्ड न दे, बल्कि शास्त्रके अनुसार विचार करके अपराध सिद्ध होता हो तो अपराधीको कैद करे और सिद्ध न होता हो तो उसे मुक्त कर दे
na parasya pravādena pareṣāṁ daṇḍam arpayet | āgamānugamaṁ kṛtvā badhnīyān mokṣayīta vā |
Bhishma said: A king should not inflict punishment on people merely on the basis of another person’s accusation. After examining the matter in accordance with the authoritative teachings of the śāstras and established procedure, if the offence is proven he should confine the offender; if it is not proven, he should release him.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Punishment must be based on verified guilt and śāstra-guided procedure, not on mere accusation or rumor; if guilt is established, restrain the offender, and if not, release him.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma advises Yudhiṣṭhira on just governance, emphasizing careful inquiry and lawful procedure before imprisoning or freeing an accused person.