The king in the poem is ‘just’ and ‘placid’. Does he carry his notion of justice a bit too far?

Vikram Seth’s “The Tale of Melon City” describes a unique king. He is whimsical. Sometimes he looks funny. And most of the times he is ridiculous. The poet calls the king ‘just’ and ‘placid’. He is neither of the two. His sense of justice is not based on logic and reason. He can order any person to be hanged on the slightest pretext. The king is expert in making an issue of a non-issue. After all sky has not fallen if his crown is banged off by the arch. The king makes a mountain out of a mole hill. He is called placid but he loses his temper over a small thing. He carries the things too far. He becomes the victim of his own stupidity.

Yes, the king carries his notion of justice a bit too far. This leads him to summon so many persons—all to be hanged. He lacks sound judgement. He is easily influenced and convinced. The exaggerated notion of justice invites his own death. Out of all the persons who were measured by and by, only he himself fits in the noose. Ultimately, he is hanged to death by his own decree.