Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c7.s5.7

c7.s5.7

It seems that the arrangements with regard to *sadasyas* differed with the nature of *kathā* (type of discourse) to be held. The assembly for a *vāda* (discussion) does not require any jury; *vāda* being a dialogue between the teacher and the taught or conversation between persons of like-mindedness. But if by any chance *sadasyas* arrive on the scene, they can be co-opted as juries with the mutual consent of the discussants. This is done with a view to overrule the charge of *kathābhāsa* (a fake discussion). But such infiltrators will not be allowed to decide the terms of reference or *prameya* (topics) for the debate. In *jalpa* (debate) and *vitaṇḍā* (cavil) the situation is different. There the *sadasyas* regulate the terms of reference.