Shloka 4.18.43
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
तान्न हिंस्यान्न चाक्रोशेन्नाक्षिपेन्नाप्रियं वदेत्।।देवा मानुषरूपेण चरन्त्येते महीतले।
tān na hiṃsyān na cākrośen nākṣipen nāpriyaṃ vadet | devā mānuṣarūpeṇa caranty ete mahītale ||
One should not harm them, nor shout at them, nor disparage them, nor speak harshly to them; for these kings move upon the earth as gods in human form.
'One should not insult kings, nor shout at them, nor disregard them nor speak unpleasant words to them. They are gods in human form moving on this earth.
Respect for legitimate authority is framed as a dharmic duty; verbal or physical contempt toward kings is condemned because kings embody divine governance on earth.
Rāma rebukes Vālī’s accusatory tone and asserts the sanctity of royal authority within the dharma framework.
Maryādā (propriety): disciplined speech and conduct toward rulers and social order.