In Jain dharma, the main question is:

• What will reduce himsā (violence) and fear for living beings?
• What will reduce your own kashāyas (anger, pride, deceit, greed)?

So, whether to report a crime or not depends on intention and result.

1. When reporting is better (according to Jain principles)

It is generally better to report when:

• The criminal may harm more people/animals in the future.
• Reporting can protect innocent beings.
• The law can stop ongoing violence, theft, abuse, etc.
• You report without revenge, but with a feeling of:

- “I want to protect others.” - “I want to stop more himsā from happening.”

In Jainism, protecting others from harm (abhaya-dān – giving fearlessness) is a form of dayā (compassion). Using the legal system to prevent further harm is not against Jain dharma, if done with:

• No hatred
• No desire for revenge
• Only a sense of responsibility and protection

2. When silence becomes harmful

Staying silent may be wrong if:

• Your silence allows the criminal to repeat the crime.
• More beings suffer because no one speaks up.
• You know the truth but hide it out of fear, attachment, or convenience.

Then, your silence indirectly supports adharma (wrongdoing).

3. How a Jain should report

If you decide to report:

• Keep your mind calm (no raudra-bhāva – cruel/hateful thoughts).
• Speak truthfully – no exaggeration, no lies.
• Do not insult, curse, or wish extra suffering for the criminal.
• Internally, still see the criminal as a soul covered by karma, not as “purely evil”.

You can think: “I do not hate this soul, but his/her actions are wrong and must be stopped for the safety of others.”

4. When not reporting may be acceptable

It might be acceptable not to report if, for example:

• The incident is very small, truly not repeated, and
• Reporting would create much more conflict, hatred, or violence than benefit.

Even then, you should try to ensure no one else is harmed in future.

---

In simple words: From a Jain viewpoint, it is usually better to report a serious crime if that helps stop further violence and protect others, and if you do it with a calm and compassionate mind, not with hatred or revenge.