Kautilya's Arthashastra 3.19.22

3.19.22

ghātābhiyogam apratibruvatas tad ahar eva paścātkāraḥ //

But Kautilya objects to it; for whether a complaint is lodged first or last, it is the evidence of witnesses that must be depended upon. In the absence of witnesses, the nature of the hurt and other circumstances connected with the quarrel in question shall be evidences. Sentence of punishment shall be passed the very day that a defendant accused of assault fails to answer the charge made against him.