Chapter 17

The Nature of the Plaint

Stating the time, year, month, half-month, and lunar day, as well as the hour, region, subject matter, place, caste, appearance, and age... // K_124 //

...the amount of the claim, the quantity, the name of oneself, the names of kings in succession, the residence, and the name of the defendant... // K_125 //

...the names of one's ancestors in order, the grievance, the taker and the giver, and other signs of forbearance—having recited these, one should formulate the plaint. // K_126 //

The country and also the place, the location, the caste, the name, the residence, the dimensions, and the name of the field... // K_127 //

...the names of the father and grandfather, and the mention of former kings—in disputes concerning immovable property, these ten details should be stated. // K_128 //

Whatever the plaintiff, agitated by passion or other emotions, states in court, all of it should be written down with an "Om" on a board or the like. // K_129 //

He should correct what is excessive and supplement what is deficient. It should be written on the ground until the plaint is firmly established. // K_130 //

The Chief Judge should have the plaint, as it was naturally spoken, written down on a slate with chalk, and then, once corrected, on a leaf. // K_131 //

He who writes down something different from what was spoken by the plaintiff or defendant, a righteous king should punish him like a thief. // K_132 //

He may obtain three days or even a week for amendment, until the intention to speak in the dispute has arisen. // K_133 //

Because a decision is reached long after the commencement of the case, the defendant is entitled to time, but the plaintiff does not get time. // K_134 //

Where the mind is not ready for the case in a dispute for those desiring a decision, time should be given there to both the plaintiff and the defendant. // K_135 //