Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.117

c6.117

The principle of righteousness and protection includes that of justice. Justice is the very basis of the stability of the state. If justice is upset, the kingdom withers away like a boat wrecked at sea. Those who disgrace the seat of justice by inflicting injustices sink into hell along with the king. Disputes should be decided on the evidence of witnesses. In the absence of witnesses on one side or the other, the king should give the case a special consideration. The wealthy should be punished with fines and confiscations; the poor with loss of liberty and the wicked with corporal inflictions. Treason must be punished with death effected by various means. So, too, arson, theft and such sexual intercourse as may lead to a confusion of castes. None should be punished for the fault of another. No offender, however dear to the king, should escape punishment. If a king inflicts capricious punishments, he earns infamy on earth and sinks into hell hereafter.²