Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Rectitude-Kural 111

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Provided in its exercise each section gets its fair due,Justice will be deemed the only great virtue.

The greatest of virtues is the justice that gives it fair due, impartially, positively and helpfully, to all sections of the people.The expression 'Thakudhi' stands for what has that quality (i.e) Rectitude involving, equity or distributive justice.The Greek philosopher-mathematician, Pythagoras, called it the mother and nursery of all other virtues.The reference to 'Pagudhi' is to cover three sections, 'enemies, strangers and friends', (pahai, nodhumal, nanbu). All of them must get their fair treatment – only then, there is justice. The Bible has injunctions to do justice as follows:

'Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it.
(Proverbs 3:27)

'Do justly, that is nearer to your duty,
your duty to Allah'-(Holy Koran).
(Chapter 6, Rukoo 5)

This chapter deals with virtue of holding the scales even, (Naduvu, Nilamai), which would mean much more than just 'impartiality'. It would imply rectitude and positive justice, perhaps indicating also justice according to one's needs and not merely according to one's deserts – the forerunner of today's concept of Social Justice.