Report No. 77

3.6. Witnesses in ancient India.-

Witnesses could be summoned by the order of the judge. According to the celebrated work Arthasastra:1

"The parties shall themselves produce witnesses who are not far removed either by time or place. Witnesses who are far away or who will not stir out shall be made to present themselves by the order of the judge."

1.Kautiliya Arthasastra, Book 3, Chapter 11, verse 50; Kangle Kautiliya Arthasastra, (University of Bombay), (1970), Part II, p. 230.