In the Ramayana, Rama is exiled to the forest on the eve of his being coronated Yuvaraja (crown prince) since his father had to honor his word to his queen. The queen's son & his step-brother, Bharatha was supposed to become king. But Bharatha doesn't want to be king & comes to the forest to call Rama back. Rama refuses since he wishes to honor his father's word, but Bharatha insists.
To resolve this dispute, Janaka, the father of Rama's wife, Sita, who has a reputation for Dharma (justice) is called to adjudicate.
Janaka states that while keeping the king's word is indeed Dharma, Bharatha was calling him back with love. For the sake of love, rules can be broken. So, Rama has to abide by Bharatha's wishes. Bharatha is happy.
Janaka however continues. It is true that love can be above the rules of Dharma. However, there is a Dharma (rule) of love itself. If you truly love someone, you need to want what the other person wants. You cannot say that you love someone and want him to do what you want.
Isn't this a creative and interesting definition of love?
Janaka rules that Rama has to listen to Bharatha. However, Bharatha has to keep in mind the Dharma of love.
Now, Bharatha asks Rama to rule the kingdom. Rama agrees but says that he will remain in the forest to keep the king's word, and asks Bharatha to rule in his stead, while he completes the terms of his exile.
Source: Ramanand Sagar's Hindi TV series adaptation of the Ramayana, primarily based off the Tulsidas Ramayana with elements from other versions of the Ramayana. (I have not verified the original sources. Ramanand Sagar's interpretation is moving, though.)
PS: Much later, Rama would use the argument that he is king and duty bound to punish wrong-doers in his controversial killing of Vali.
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