Local Government in Ancient India c13.168

c13.168

The commentators give examples of some of these grounds of royal interference with the local corporations. The corporation must not arm itself unless it is to repel some attack from within or without in connexion with the discharge of its duties of watch and ward within its territorial jurisdiction. Otherwise such arming will be treated as treason. Along with political crimes, moral crimes should also be checked by the king, e.g. 'prostitution of widows or other virtuous females among heretics or other sinful men' even if it be a long-established institution. Prescription is no protection for immorality. The commentator on Nārada has a very interesting note on the subject. He explains that, though the local bodies are self-governing and are to be treated and maintained as such by the king, they must know that there are certain limitations upon their authority restricting their legislative and executive powers. These limitations are those imposed by morality, religion, and the interests of the central government or state, and must not be transgressed. For instance, they are not competent to frame such regulations as the following: '(1) that we shall oppose the payment to the king of the taxes due from his subjects; (2) that we shall always go about naked;