Kautilya's Arthashastra 3.11.26

3.11.26

asmapratipattau tu sākṣiṇaḥ pramāṇaṃ prātyayikāḥ śucayo 'numatā vā trayo 'varārdhyāḥ //

A wife, though she has (not) heard of the debt (pratisrávaní), shall not be caught hold of for the debt contracted by her husband, excepting in the case of herdsmen and joint cultivators (gopálakárdhasítikebhyah). But a husband may be caught for the debt contracted by his wife. If it is admitted that a man fled the country without providing for the debt contracted by his wife, the highest amercement shall be meted out; if not admitted, witnesses shall be depended upon.

It is obligatory to produce three witnesses who are reliable, honest and respected. At least two witnesses acceptable to the parties are necessary; never one witness in the case of debts.