Evolution Of Ancient Indian Judicial System
Asst. Prof. Nilam Pansare, Dr. Satish Mane & Asst. Prof. Deepika Patil
ABSTRACT
This research paper critically examines the ancient Indian judicial systems, philosophical base, institutional structure and procedure which is deep rooted in the universal principle of Dharma. Far from primitive, ancient Indian jurisprudence was a combination of spiritual ethics and legal reasoning with variety of society drawn from sources like the Vedas, Smritis, Arthashastra, customary laws, and royal edicts. The present study speaks about hierarchical court system - from family (kula) to royal (Sasita) courts - exploring features such as judicial independence, ethical qualifications for judges, codified procedure and community based dispute resolution. A comparative analysis with modern Indian Judiciary vividly reveals constant continuities, especially in decentralized justice, legal ethics and recognition of customary law. This paper illustrates the impact of ancient jurisprudence on contemporary constitutional interpretation and reforms, evident in judicial pronouncements and ADR systems like gramnyayalay and Lok Adalats. Ultimately, it concludes that India's ancient legal system is incorporated into the modern judicial system, as its soul, culture, and spirituality are seen while delivering justice.
Keywords: Dharma, Judiciary, Vyavahara, Ancient India, Modern Judiciary, Legal History.
