Shloka 2.100.57

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

गृहीतश्चैव पृष्टश्च काले दृष्टस्सकारणः।कच्चिन्न मुच्यते चोरो धनलोभान्नरर्षभ।।।।

Transliteration

gṛhītaś caiva pṛṣṭaś ca kāle dṛṣṭaḥ sakāraṇaḥ | kaccin na mucyate coro dhanalobhān nararṣabha ||

Translation

O best of men, may it be that a thief—caught in the act, seized, questioned, and proven by evidence—is not released merely out of greed for money.

Context

O best among men! I trust that a thief, caught red-handed and interrogated and has sufficient proof is not set free, out of greed for money.

Characters & Entities

• Thief (cora)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Rule of law: proven wrongdoing should not be excused through bribery or royal greed; impartial enforcement sustains social order.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama checks whether Bharata prevents corruption in criminal justice—specifically, the release of guilty persons for money.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity in governance—incorruptibility and consistent application of punishment.