Shloka 19
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः
Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court
न चाप्यस्य कपेर्घाते कञ्चित्पश्याम्यहं गुणम्।तेष्वयं पात्यतां दण्डो यैरयं प्रेषितः कपिः।।।।
na cāpy asya kaper ghāte kañcit paśyāmy ahaṁ guṇam | teṣv ayaṁ pātyatāṁ daṇḍo yair ayaṁ preṣitaḥ kapiḥ ||
ഈ കപിയെ വധിക്കുന്നതിൽ എനിക്ക് യാതൊരു ഗുണവും കാണുന്നില്ല. ഈ കപിയെ അയച്ചവരുടെ മേലാണ് ദണ്ഡം പതിയേണ്ടത്.
"I do not see any use in killing this monkey. Pronounce punishment on those who have sent this vanara.
FAQs
Punishment (daṇḍa) should be directed with discernment: harming an emissary is unproductive and unethical; accountability should be assigned to the responsible principals behind the mission.
After Hanumān’s capture, debate arises in Rāvaṇa’s court about what should be done; Vibhīṣaṇa argues against execution and for a more rational, targeted response.
Justice tempered by reason—Vibhīṣaṇa emphasizes utility and fairness rather than impulsive vengeance.