To do justice is to separate milk from water. If a judge takes sides and shows partiality, it amounts to destroying the very fabric of justice. It is no exaggeration to say that rendering true justice is extremely difficult. Gurbani, however, clearly records that anyone imparting justice is duty-bound not to deprive anyone of his or her rights, because doing so amounts to injustice, high-handedness, and a lack of moral ethics.
ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰੁ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ॥
ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਹਾਮਾ ਤਾ ਭਰੇ ਜਾ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ਨ ਖਾਇ॥
(Ang 141)
Saith Nanak! To grab what belongs to another is evil — as pig’s flesh is to Muslims and cow’s flesh is to Hindus.
(Pg. 141)
Gurbani also records that, in earlier times, Qazis, jurists, and magistrates often pronounced false verdicts after accepting bribes. Sadly, the same ugly practice continues in present-day society, often in even harsher and more corrupt forms. The Gurbani reference to “accepting bribes and committing injustice” directly condemns the evil of gratification and corruption. It serves as a warning to all, especially to those engaged in this noble profession.
ਕਾਜੀ ਹੋਇ ਕੈ ਬਹੈ ਨਿਆਇ॥
ਫੇਰੇ ਤਸਬੀ ਕਰੇ ਖੁਦਾਇ॥
ਵਢੀ ਲੈ ਕੈ ਹਕੁ ਗਵਾਏ॥
ਜੇ ਕੋ ਪੁਛੈ ਤਾ ਪੜਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ॥
(Ang 951)
The Qazi sits in the seat of justice,
Turns his rosary and utters God’s Name,
Yet he takes bribes and corrupts justice.
If someone questions him, he quotes scriptures in defense.
(Pg. 951)
The spirit of justice and fair play demands that we should not covet the possessions of others and should remain content with our honest earnings.
ਹਕੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਬਖੋਰਹੁ ਖਾਣਾ॥
ਦਿਲ ਦਰੀਆਉ ਧੋਵਹੁ ਮੈਲਾਣਾ॥
(Ang 1084)
Make honestly earned food your sustenance;
Make your heart as vast as a river and wash away impurity.
(Pg. 1084)
This means that we should maintain purity of mind and lead a righteous life. We should broaden our outlook like a flowing river and wash away the dirt of profanity, obscenity, greed, and all other vices that lead to injustice and moral corruption. Gurbani acknowledges that because of countless obstacles, it is difficult to dispense perfect justice, and ultimately only God can do so completely.
ਪੂਰਾ ਨਿਆਉ ਕਰੇ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ॥
ਅਪੁਨੇ ਦਾਸ ਕਉ ਰਾਖਨਹਾਰੁ॥
(Ang 199)
The Creator alone dispenses perfect justice
And protects His devotees.
(Pg. 199)
It is indeed a sad commentary on modern society that the supposedly enlightened human being of the 21st century — blessed with advanced science and technology — often appears deeply corrupt when it comes to honesty, fairness, and impartial conduct. Ministers, bureaucrats, and political leaders are, more often than not, found lacking in the true spirit of justice. Every day we witness incidents in which influential people mercilessly suppress justice for selfish gains. In doing so, they put the honour of the nation at stake.
Many are willing to engage in unethical acts if personal benefit can be achieved. In such a scenario, unless a person practically unites himself with the principles of his faith, he becomes unrestrained and self-centered, considering himself the sole master of his destiny. Such a person gradually suppresses his conscience and drifts far away from the moral values of religion and society.
At such times, moral principles and virtues alone can transform the human mindset and guide individuals back to the righteous path. Without following this path, a person continues to grope in darkness and ultimately ends in disgrace.
If a person is entrusted with the responsibility of dispensing justice, he must perform this noble duty with honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. Only then can the social fabric gain renewed strength and stability through righteous action. Society as a whole will always appreciate a system in which justice is delivered wisely, fairly, honestly, and transparently.
Sarup Singh Allag
