Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Rectitude-Kural 118

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To hold the scales even and fair is the ornament of those, who seek perfection in their rectitude.

This is a Kural that is often quoted as the outstanding guideline for those who are called upon to administer justice. The scales shall not distort justice even if the most vital personal interests are involved, as in the case of Manuneedhi Chola. If they do in spite of the best intentions of the administrator, the 'prayachith' or remedy (Kaluvaai) is demonstrated by Pandiyan Neduncheliyan most nobly but tragically. As soon as he saw Kannagi entering the court, her body dust-covered, disheveled hair, tears in her eyes and a single anklet in her hand, Neduncheliyan realized that he had done wrong and dropped down dead-a noble victim to his own fine sense of justice.

Meyirpodium virindha karungkoonthalum
Kaiyir thanich silambum kaneerum-vaiyaikoan
Kandalavae thoatraan

( Silapathikaaram)

The Bible has relevant lines on this as follows:

'A false balance is abomination to the Lord;
but a just weight is his delight'.

A parallel of moral courage in holding the scales even is found in Kalithogai thus:

Oarvutroruthiram olkaadha naerkoal
Arampuri nenjath thavan.