Shloka 2.1.25
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
शास्त्रज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च पुरुषान्तरकोविदः।यः प्रग्रहानुग्रहयोर्यथान्यायं विचक्षणः।।।।
śāstra-jñaś ca kṛta-jñaś ca puruṣāntara-kovidaḥ | yaḥ pragrahānugrahayor yathā-nyāyaṃ vicakṣaṇaḥ ||
He knew the śāstras and was grateful; he was skilled in discerning the differences among men. In both correction and favor, he was judicious, acting in accordance with justice.
He was versed in scriptures. He was grateful (to those who did him some good) and skilled in differentiating the comparative merits of men. Fair in his judgement he dispensed justice in accordance with law by reprimanding (the delinquent) and favouring (the honest).
Dharma in governance requires impartial justice: knowing when to discipline and when to reward, based on true merit and guided by śāstra and nyāya.
The poem continues to present Rāma as an ideal administrator—learned, fair, and capable of nuanced judgement.
Judicious fairness—balanced use of punishment and favor, combined with gratitude and knowledge.