Just Rule
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ōrntukaṇ ṇōṭā tiṟaipurin tiyārmāṭṭun / tērntucey vaḵtē muṟai.
“Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice loves / Consult, then act; this is the rule that right approves.”
“Deliberate well and lean not to either side: be impartial and consult with the men of law: that is the way to administer justice.”
The right course is to investigate an offence, show no favoritism to anyone, remain impartial, consult those learned in the law about the prescribed penalty, and impose only that measure.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஓர்ந்து= தன்கீழ் வாழ்வார் குற்றஞ்செய்தால் அக்குற்றத்தை நாடி; யார்மாட்டும் கண்ணோடாது= யாவர்மாட்டும் கண்ணோடாது; இறை புரிந்து= நடுவுநிலைமையைப் பொருந்தி; தேர்ந்து= அக்குற்றத்திற்குச் சொல்லிய தண்டத்தை நூலோரோடும் ஆராய்ந்து; செய்வஃதே முறை= அவ்வளவிற்றாகச் செய்வதே முறையாம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Thoroughly investigating allegations, showing no bias toward anyone, standing impartial, and deciding penalties according to law—this is the essence of righteous governance.