Report No. 35

I. References from Manu

From the Manusmriti it appears that capital punishment was awarded for theft of more than 10 "kumbhas"1. Rape by a man of the lower caste with a woman of the higher caste was a capital offence.2 Brahmins were not subject to the death penalty.3 Mutilation of the particular offending limb was also prescribed by Manu.4

1. Manu 8, verse 320.

2. Manu 8, verse 366.

3. Manu 8, verses 379 and 380.

4. Manu 8, verse 125.