Theft is sanctioned in an hour of distress for even a great man. It will not divest him of his eminence. Even a Brahmana for saving his life may do it. This is certain.
आपत्सु विहितं स्तैन्यं विशिष्टसमहीनताः। विप्रेण प्राणरक्षार्थ कर्तव्यमिति निश्चयः॥