Shloka 24
राजधर्मः—प्रमादवर्जनं, दण्डनीतिः, दुर्बलरक्षणम्
Royal Dharma: Vigilance, Just Punishment, Protection of the Vulnerable
राज्ञो यदा जनपदे बहवो राजपूरुषा: | अनयेनोपवर्तन्ते तद् राज्ञ: किल्बिषं महत्,जब राजाके बहुत-से कर्मचारी देशमें अन्यायपूर्ण बर्ताव करने लगते हैं, तब वह महान् पाप राजाको ही लगता है
rājño yadā janapade bahavo rājapūruṣāḥ | anayenopavartante tad rājñaḥ kilbiṣaṃ mahat ||
Utathya said: When, within a king’s realm, many royal officials act by unjust means, the great sin that arises is reckoned as the king’s own. The ruler bears moral responsibility for wrongdoing committed under his authority, especially when it spreads through the administration.
उतथ्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler is ethically accountable for systemic injustice committed by his officials; when wrongdoing becomes prevalent in the administration, the moral blame and demerit accrue primarily to the king who authorizes, appoints, and oversees them.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, the sage Utathya states a principle of governance: if many royal servants in the kingdom act unjustly, the king incurs great sin, emphasizing oversight and just administration as central royal duties.