Chapter 34

Places for Ordeals

At the temple of Indra for those accused of major sins, and for men guilty of treason, one should employ it at the king's gate. // K_434 //

For those born of mixed unions against the natural order, the divine ordeal should be given at a crossroads. In other cases, the wise know that the divine ordeal should be given in the middle of the court. // K_435 //

In case of conflict with time and place, one should arrange it as is suitable. In a reversal, this is the rule: another should administer the divine ordeal. // K_436 //

Those (ordeals) given at an improper time or place, or performed outside, undoubtedly cause a miscarriage of justice in all matters. // K_437 //

One should establish the matter again if the means of proof is obstructed. A king should reject divine ordeals even if given according to the rules, if they were administered by the foolish, greedy, or wicked; they must be administered again. // K_438 //

Therefore, a divine ordeal should be administered by experts according to the prescribed procedure. One that is applied contrary to the rules is not capable of establishing the case. // K_439 //

If the sling breaks, or the balance beam, or the cord, or if there is doubt about the purity, one should test the man again. // K_440 //