Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3767

c9.3767

VĀKPĀRUṢYA (Using harsh words). One of the wrongs brought under the rule of chastisement in ancient India. Without caring for the truth or falsity, a man praising another with a view to tease or offend him, is Vākpāruṣya. The teasing may be aimed at somebody with disabled members of the body or disabled organs of sense. Besides, using heart-rending words also comes under this crime. In olden days kings issued orders to fine anybody found guilty of this crime. Ordinarily the fine was 25 Paṇas. If the crime was committed against one who was below the level of the culprit the fine to be paid was only half. If harsh words were used against other women or people of a higher level the fine was double. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 258).