Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c10.58

c10.58

The judge asks the complainant modestly entering the court "What is your complaint, what wrong have you suffered? From whom, how, when and why? Have no fear, speak out." The plaint which now follows is subjected to a preliminary examination by the judge. If for instance the complainant is halfwitted, drunken, a woman or a minor or in general incapable of doing legal business, the plaint may be summarily dismissed. Also a law-suit between father and son, man and wife, master and servant, teacher and pupil is not allowed. If the plaint is accepted the judge shall summon the accused by a sealed warrant (*mudrā*) or by a court messenger (*puruṣa*) (Kāty. 2, 1—3¹; Y. 2, 32; Nār. Quot. 1, 6 f. etc.).