Ramayana — Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 56
वाली–रामसंवादः
Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma
मद्दोषकृतदोषां तां यथा तारां तपस्विनीम्।सुग्रीवो नावमन्येत तथाऽवस्थातुमर्हसि।।
maddoṣa-kṛta-doṣāṃ tāṃ yathā tārāṃ tapasvinīm | sugrīvo nāvamanyeta tathā avasthātum arhasi ||
As for Tara—who has suffered harm because of my own fault—see to it that Sugriva does not slight or humiliate that afflicted woman; you should ensure she is treated rightly.
'I hope Tara will not be made to suffer because of my offence. Make Sugriva not to run wretched Tara down.
FAQs
Dharma prohibits compounding harm: those already burdened by another’s wrongdoing should not be further dishonored; the righteous must prevent humiliation and ensure dignity.
Vali anticipates the new regime under Sugriva and asks Rama to safeguard Tara’s status and dignity after Vali’s death.
Protective justice—using authority to prevent abuse of power over the vulnerable.