[104] Now at that time King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha had granted this authorization: "Those who go forth among the ascetics who are sons of the Sakyans — nothing may be done to them. Well-proclaimed is the Dhamma; let them live the holy life (brahmacariya) for the right making of an end of suffering (dukkha)."
Now at that time a certain man, having committed robbery, was bound in prison. Having broken out of the prison, he fled and went forth (pabbajita) among the bhikkhus. People, seeing him, said: "This is that jail-breaking thief! Come, let us lead him away." But some said: "Sirs, do not speak thus. It has been authorized by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha: 'Those who go forth among the ascetics who are sons of the Sakyans — nothing may be done to them. Well-proclaimed is the Dhamma; let them live the holy life for the right making of an end of suffering.'"
People complained, criticized, and spread it about, saying: "These ascetics, sons of the Sakyans, are immune from danger (abhayūvarā); nothing may be done to them. How indeed can they give the going forth to a jail-breaking thief?" They reported this matter to the Blessed One.
"Bhikkhus, a thief who has broken out of prison should not be given the going forth. Whoever should give the going forth commits an offense of wrong-doing (dukkaṭa)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.