Public Administration in Ancient India c15.4

c15.4

According to Brihaspati, "judicial assemblies are of four sorts: stationary, not stationary, furnished with the King's signet ring, and directed (by the King). The judges are of as many sorts. A stationary court meets in a town or village; one not stationary is called movable; one furnished with (the King's) signet ring is superintended by the Chief Judge; one directed is held in the King's presence."¹ Nārada says: "Family meetings (kula), corporations (śreṇi), village assemblies (gaṇa), one appointed (by the King), and the King (himself) are invested with the power to decide lawsuits; and of these, each succeeding is superior to the one preceding it in order."²