Chapter 15

Persons Not to be Accepted as Surety

Neither a master nor an enemy, nor one authorized by the master, nor one under arrest or punished, nor those in a doubtful position should ever be accepted. // K_114 //

Neither an heir nor one without property, nor a permanent resident, nor one employed in the king's service, nor men who have become ascetics. // K_115 //

Nor one who is unable to pay the creditor or a similar fine to the king; nor one whose father is alive and acts according to his own will. An unknown person should not be accepted for the function of a surety. // K_116 //

If, however, there is no surety for a plaintiff fit for litigation, he should be kept under guard and at the end of the day should pay the wage to the guard. // K_117 //

A twice-born person without a surety should be guarded by external guards. Those of the Shudra and other classes who are without a surety should be bound in fetters. // K_118 //

For transgression or escape, the king should fine him eight paṇas. Interruption of daily duties, however, should be allowed for all castes. // K_119 //

A person who has already been arrested should not be proceeded against in a new case by the king. Either his case should be transferred to that new plaintiff, or the king should appoint another to hold him. // K_120 //