Shloka 4.18.33
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
शासनाद्वाऽपिमोक्षाद्वा स्तेनः स्तेयाद्विमुच्यते।राजात्वशासन्पापस्य तदवाप्नोति किल्बिषम्4.18.33।।
śāsanād vā’pi mokṣād vā stenaḥ steyād vimucyate | rājā tv aśāsan pāpasya tad avāpnoti kilbiṣam ||
Whether by punishment or by release after due judgment, a thief is freed from the sin of theft; but a king who does not punish a sinner takes that guilt upon himself.
A ruler has a moral duty to enforce justice; neglecting to punish wrongdoing transfers culpability to the king and corrupts governance.
Rama explains why punishment is not merely permitted but required for kingship, strengthening his defense against Vali’s accusation.
Accountability in leadership—upholding satya and social order by not tolerating adharma.