The Wise Judge!

During the time when Maryada Ramanna served as a judge in Andhra, he solved numerous crimes using his sharp intellect and keen powers of observation.

Once, a trader was heading to the market with his horse. Although he made the animal work very hard, he never gave it enough food. Consequently, the horse was very lean and weak.

As he was traveling, a farmer’s horse happened to trot alongside them. Seeing the healthy animal, the trader muttered to himself, "I must find a way to snatch this fine horse!"

The trader stopped and struck up a conversation with the farmer, gradually pretending to be his friend. He eventually said, "I have a great desire to ride your horse to the market."

The farmer agreed. Since its master had permitted it, the horse allowed the trader to mount. At that moment, the kind farmer patted the lean horse and said, "I will give you some horse gram to eat." Then, the farmer climbed onto the lean horse and they continued their journey.

When they reached the market, the trader began shouting loudly about his goods to attract everyone's attention. When the farmer got down and asked for his horse back, the wicked trader created a scene. "What? My horse is yours? Didn't everyone see me riding into town on my own horse?" he yelled.

The onlookers chimed in, "Yes, we saw this trader arriving on the horse while shouting about his business!"

Realizing he was being cheated, the farmer raised a hue and cry. Eventually, both men and the horses were brought before Maryada Ramanna. After listening to the case, Maryada Ramanna said, "Both of you and these horses shall stay here tonight. I will make a decision tomorrow morning."

The next morning, Maryada Ramanna took the farmer and the trader to the stable but made them stand outside. He went inside and untied both horses. The animals came galloping out and immediately went to stand beside their true masters.

The fine, healthy horse showed its affection by nuzzling the farmer, while the lean horse went to the trader.

Maryada Ramanna declared sternly, "Throw this dishonest trader into the dungeon! Let the farmer take care of the weary horse from now on."