Shloka 4.18.35
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
अन्यैरपि कृतं पापं प्रमत्तैर्वसुधाधिपैः।प्रायश्चित्तं च कुर्वन्ति तेन तच्छाम्यते रजः।।
anyair api kṛtaṃ pāpaṃ pramattair vasudhādhipaiḥ | prāyaścittaṃ ca kurvanti tena tacchāmyate rajaḥ ||
Even other kings, when negligent, have committed wrong; they then perform atonement, and by that the stain is calmed and removed.
'Vicious deeds have been committed by others when the kings were not watchful. Kings punish such sinners when they are vigilant. Otherwise they have to atone for their negligence.
Dharma includes moral repair: when wrongdoing occurs through negligence, one must acknowledge it and undertake prāyaścitta to remove the moral taint.
Rama broadens the discussion: rulers are fallible, but dharma provides correction through atonement and responsibility.
Humility and moral self-correction—accepting fault and seeking purification rather than denying wrongdoing.