'Dharmsankat' is an unusual sensational, action-packed drama in cinemascope, about the clash of ideals of youth Birju (Vinod Khanna), who is coerced into taking up arms by his own mother Durgadevi (Rohini Hattangadi), in order to disarm the evil-doers.
Little does Birju know that he is the sone of a dreaded dacoit, albeit with a golden heart Dara (Dara Singh), whose henchmen and main lieutenant Jagira (Amrish Puri) had indulged in massacre and violation of innocent women. However when he does learn about the truth during a chance encounter with dacoits, he decides to reform his father.
But as Dara prepares to surrender arms to the police on independence day, Jagira betrays him and has him killed in a fake police encounter with the aid of a corrupt police inspector Heeralal (Shakti Kapoor) and constable Pannalal (Asrani).
Birju is distraught when he chances upon another police officer Gopal (Raj Babbar) who is none other than his long lost childhood friend who had come to inimical terms with him owing to a misunderstanding involving Birju's sweetheart Madhu (Amrita Singh). At this juncture, Durgadevi, who had taught Birju to shun violence, hands him over the family rifle and beseeches himself to defend himself. Birju is now in a dilemma... How can he betray his own conscience of peace and truthfulness. He is in a Dharmsankat. Witness the gradual unfolding of the dramatic consequences in the mind-shattering climax of 'Dharmsankat'.
(From official press booklet)