Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s5.3

c11.s5.3

Not the least of the functions of the state was the correct administration of justice, which occupies a large space in Śukraniti. Offences are of four kinds—those committed through the body, through speech, through the mind, through association. Each, again, may be two-fold—known or 'approved.' Each head is further divided into four categories—temporary, constant, habitual and natural. But the broadest division is merely threefold --first, second and third, each supposed to be worse than the foregoing. In the determination of punishment, personal character should be taken into account. Men fall into three classes—first, second and third. Punishment itself may be divided into three grades—good, middling and low.