Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s9.8

c19.s9.8

Although the guilty had to pay a fine according to his means, the innocent, if accused, could not escape without any payment. Perhaps that people should suspect him was thought a sufficient offence. In 1752-53 Rupaji bin Rambhaji Mudtadak was accused of pelting Setya, the younger son of Jakhoji bin Setyaji Bhadag Vanjare, to death, and although his innocence was proved, he had to pay a Harki of Rs. 1,500.³⁰ Elphinstone rightly remarks, "the innocent might sometimes suffer, but the guilty could scarcely ever escape."