State and Government in Ancient India c19.37

c19.37

There were special roval courts of criminal jurisdiction, known as Kaṇṭakaśodhana courts. According to the *Arthaśāstra* (IV. 1-2) these courts took cognisance not only of the serious crimes against the state but also of offences against society. Thus if traders used false weights or sold adulterated goods, or charged excessive prices, if the labour in the factory was given less than a fair wage or did not do its work properly, the Kaṇṭakaśodhana courts intervened to punish the culprits. Officers charged with misconduct, persons accused of theft, dacoity and sex-offences had to appear before the same court.