Discussion Topic:
The accused's best friend has been lying to his/her parents that he/she is going to study with the accused but instead is indulging in drugs with his friends and selling it too. The best friend requested the accused to keep up the lie in case his/her parent's called. If the parents come to know, being very strict will severely punish the friend with legal actions which may even cause him to get jailed. One day the parents call the accused worried that the friend's performance in studies is getting worse despite regularly studying with the accused. In order to save their friend, they lie and make up some excuses, and hide the truth.
Is the accused guilty of violating Dharma or not?
This scenario is similar to Karna & Duryodhan's friendship. Even though Karna knew Duryodhan's wrong mindset behind all his actions, he never stopped supporting him. Though Karna may reason his loyalty to Duryadhan in return for Duryodhan's friendship. But what’s the higher purpose of friendship?? Reaping benefits from a friendship or the betterment of the friend??