Page "Ahimsa" Paragraph 35

Hindu scriptures and law books support the use of violence in self-defense against an armed attacker.

They make it clear that criminals are not protected by the rule of ahimsa.

They have no misgivings about the death penalty ; their position is that evil-doers who deserve death should be killed, and that a king in particular is obliged to punish criminals and should not hesitate to kill them, even if they happen to be his own brothers and sons.