A Farmer’s Complaint
A poor farmer once came to Akbar’s court with a complaint: “O Emperor, my neighbor’s cow broke through my fence and destroyed my crop. I seek justice.” The neighbor denied the charge, claiming it was the farmer’s own negligence.
Birbal’s Examination
Birbal was called upon to settle the dispute. After listening carefully, he called for the cow and placed some fresh grass before it. To everyone’s surprise, the cow ignored the grass and ran straight to the farmer’s field, recognizing the path it had previously taken.
Justice Served
Birbal said, “The cow herself has borne witness to the truth. Let the neighbor compensate the farmer.” The king was pleased and praised Birbal’s intelligence.
Lesson to Be Learned
Justice is not a matter of argument alone, but of truth, discernment, and evidence. In this material world, we are all judged by our actions, just as Lord Kṛṣṇa instructs in the Bhagavad-gītā: “The soul is never the doer of actions; yet by the influence of the modes, one becomes bound.”
