The Superintendent of  Black Forest Police Station, Hetu the fox, was not displaying the  right conduct for a policeman. Everybody in the jungle was upset with his behaviour. 

One evening Hetu, along with a few other policemen, was patrolling the jungle. It was becoming dark and the moon had started rising. Superintendent Hetu saw Nikko the squirrel, gazing at the moon.  He approached Nikko and asked, “Why are you looking at the moon like you’re planning to steal it?”

Nikko got scared and pleaded, “Sir, the moon cannot be stolen. It is so high up in the sky.  I couldn’t reach it even if I tried.” Hetu wanted to trap Nikko, so he said, “All I know is that your intention was to steal the moon. I’ve caught you. You will be punished for it.”

Poor Nikko was arrested and taken to jail. Blacky the bear was the Judge of the jungle. He was like Hetu too, and did not care much about Law and Order.

On the day Nikko’s case was being heard, all the animals gathered in Blacky’s courtroom. Lawyer Alok the elephant was representing Nikko.

Judge Blacky said, “What do you have to say in your defense, Nikko?” Nikko said, “Sir, the sun, moon and stars are elements of nature. They cannot be stolen. I am not a thief.” The animals listened as he continued, “The moon is a satellite that revolves around the earth.  The sunlight that falls on it is reflected off its surface  and reaches the earth. How can I try to steal such a powerful object?”

“The intention to steal is what counts. One who has such a desire, will sooner or later hatch a plan and carry it out . You will be punished for your intention to steal, for sure.” Blacky banged his hammer on the table. 

Lawyer Alok brought forth his best arguments and tried convincing Judge Blacky, but he was obstinate and refused to change his judgement.

Finally Lawyer Alok stood up and said, “Sir, you are right. The offence starts with the thought. Nikko intended to steal and that is why he deserves to be punished. Since this is a peculiar case, the punishment should also be unique.” Judge Blacky said, “What do you mean?” Lawyer Alok said, “Please give me the opportunity to decide the punishment for him. I will suggest a suitable one  that will set an example in this jungle.” Judge Blacky said, “Alright, you may decide the punishment on my behalf, but it had better be a strong one.”

Alok said, “Sir, he wished to steal a rare marvel like the moon. So, he should be taken to the moon and left there.”

Judge Blacky and Officer Hetu were aghast. “Nonsense! How can we take him to the moon? No one can reach there No staircase, rope or bridge, no matter how long or high, can reach the moon from the earth,” Blacky said.

“Aha!” Alok picked up their point, “Sirs, you are absolutely right. When it is impossible for us to reach  the moon, how can anyone even think of stealing it?” 

Blacky and Hetu were now in a spot. They said, “No, he has to be punished, as he was looking at the moon with the desire to steal it.” Alok the elephant said, “Alright then, Sir. Once the police department is ready with a mode of transport, we will banish Nikko to the moon.”

 The Judge and the Police Superintendent knew that they had been beaten. All charges against Nikko had to be dropped. That day Hetu and Blacky got booed so much by everyone in the courtroom that they decided to change their ways for the better.