Shloka 4.17.31
वालिवधः — Vālī’s Fall and Dharma-Accusation (Kiṣkindhā Sarga 17)
नयश्च विनयश्चोभौ निग्रहानुग्रहावपि।।राजवृत्तिरसङ्कीर्णा न नृपाः कामवृत्तयः।
bhūmir hiraṇyaṃ rūpyaṃ ca vigrahe kāraṇāni ca | atra kas te vane lobho madīyeṣu phaleṣu vā || 4.17.30 ||
Land, gold, and silver—these are common causes of conflict. But here in the forest, what greed could you have—was it for my possessions, or for these fruits?
'Submissiveness and modesty are the attributes of good rulers and should not be mixed up with benevolence and self-restraint. Kings ought not to act (as they like) impulsively.
Right intention: violence requires a legitimate cause; greed or trivial gain cannot justify killing.
Vāli questions Rāma’s motive, noting that typical royal motives (territory, wealth) do not apply in a forest setting.
Discerning justice: a ruler must act from lawful duty, not from appetite or baseless hostility.