Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s2.5

c19.s2.5

The great instrument of administration of civil justice was the Panchayet. Pratap Sinha Maharaja says that for cases of minor importance the Patil in the village and the Shete Mahajan in the towns and market-places could appoint Panchayets. The parties on such occasions had to sign a *Rajinama* or agreement to abide by the decision, and the Panchayet was then to proceed with its enquiry, draw up a *saransh* or summary of the case and pass its judgment. The judgment had to be confirmed by the Mamlatdar. But if it was discovered that the Panchayet was corrupt or prejudiced against a party, the case was to be reported to the Mamlatdar, and if the Mamlatdar after proper enquiry found the Patil's report correct, the case was to be sent to the Sarkar. If the Patil refused to appoint a Panchayet or to dispose of the case in a legal manner, or if the parties rejected a Panchayet of their own village, the case was to be referred to the Mamlatdar; it would then be the Mamlatdar's duty to appoint a Panchayet with the Patil's cognizance or to assemble a Panchayet at a place other than the village of the disputants. In serious cases beyond the jurisdiction of the Patil or officers of his rank, the Mamlatdar was to appoint in the first instance an arbitrator with the consent of the parties. Failing this measure a Panchayet in the usual manner had to be appointed and the usual *Rajinama* had to be signed. The decision of the Panchayet was generally confirmed and upheld by the Government unless there was a charge of corruption against the members of the Panch.