A History of the Mahrattas v2.c59.44

v2.c59.44

The criminal law in the conquered territory was administered, as it usually had been, by the decision of individual judges, assisted by Hindoo authority in regulating the measure of punishment; but the evidence and sentences in all important cases were subject to the approval of the Commissioner before being carried into execution. Punchayets, in criminal cases, had been known in the Satara country, constituted of the servants of government. The same mode was revived in that territory, but Punchayets in criminal cases might be chosen from the body of the people, although the advantages of a trial by jury¹ would not be at first appreciated, and would require to be introduced by persons thoroughly acquainted with the natives.