Justice System in the Smriti Period

The term Dharma, though used in various senses, fundamentally denotes that which upholds and sustains society. In the contemporary context, however, Dharma is primarily understood as the performance of one's duties and responsibilities. These duties are institutionalized as social norms and regulations. Therefore, the Dharmashastra is recognized not only as a body of religious law but also as a system of social and regulatory jurisprudence. A well-organized judicial system is essential for the effective administration of society, the restraint of wrongdoers, and the protection of the righteous. The concept of justice is not merely a feature of the modern world; rather, it has existed as an integral social institution from the Vedic period to the present day. The framework of this judicial system is comprehensively presented in the Smriti literature, particularly in the sections dealing with Rajadharma (the duties of the king and governance). Recognizing the needs of society and drawing upon the profound teachings of the Smritis, especially those of Manu and other lawgivers, the present study explores and analyzes the judicial system of the Smriti period and its relevance to social order and governance.