Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c7.70

c7.70

Punishment must always be just. "A King who punishes those who do not deserve it, and punishes not those who deserve it brings great infamy on himself and sinks into hell." There are, altogether, four grades of punishment—, admonition, reproof, fines and corporal chastisement. From the last Brâhmaṇas were exempt. Corporal infliction could fall on any part of the body such as the eyes, ears, the tongue, hands and feet.¹ Imprisonment seems to have been regarded as a variety of corporal punishment. It may be noted in passing that cases which had once been instituted could not be hushed up.¹