Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 14
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः
Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court
असंशयं शत्रुरयं प्रवृद्धः कृतं ह्यनेनाप्रियमप्रमेयम्।न दूतवध्यां प्रवदन्ति सन्तो दूतस्य दृष्टा बहवो हि दण्डाः।।।।
asaṁśayaṁ śatrur ayaṁ pravṛddhaḥ kṛtaṁ hy anenāpriyam aprameyam |
na dūtavadhyāṁ pravadanti santo dūtasya dṛṣṭā bahavo hi daṇḍāḥ ||
“No doubt this enemy is formidable, and he has indeed wrought immeasurable and grievous harm. Yet the wise do not sanction the killing of an envoy, for many other punishments are prescribed for a messenger.”
This enemy has done a lot of harm, no doubt. Indeed he has done terrible and unpleasant deeds. (Yet) the wise have recommended many alternate punishments, while prohibiting their killing.
FAQs
Dharma sets limits on retribution: even when harmed, a ruler must punish within lawful boundaries; immunity of envoys is upheld while allowing alternate penalties.
Vibhīṣaṇa acknowledges Hanumān’s hostile acts but argues that execution violates established norms regarding messengers.
Fair-mindedness (nyāya-buddhi): recognizing harm yet insisting on proportionate, rule-bound response.
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