Arjuna introduces a legalistic argument. He acknowledges that the Kauravas are ‘ātatāyinaḥ’, or aggressors. In Vedic law, an aggressor—one who poisons, sets fire, or steals land—can be killed without incurring sin. The Kauravas had done all of this to the Pāṇḍavas. However, Arjuna argues that because they are relatives, the general law for killing aggressors is superseded by the specific duty to protect family. He believes that sin will overcome them if they kill these men, regardless of their crimes. He asks, “How can we be happy by killing our own people?” addressing Kṛṣṇa as ‘Mādhava’. He is arguing that the means—killing family—is so evil that it will destroy the end—happiness. He is prioritizing social bonds over the cosmic necessity of justice.