224, Sir Joun D’Orxy’s Sketch of the 
These, after regular investigation in the manner above stated, are decided 
by the majority of the witnesses ; or, if doubtful, are ordered to be decided 
by oath. 
Differences of opinion amongst the chiefs were seldom persisted in after 
full discussion. But if either party be obstinate against the determination of 
the Court, the case is sometimes submitted to the King, especially if it con- 
cerns property of value, or persons of consequence. 
In all suits for land decided by the King, after reference to the Great 
Court itself, or without such reference, decrees written on ola, called sitta, 
are signed and given by the senior Adikar present, or sometimes by the 
second Adikar for lands situated within his general local jurisdiction. The 
sitta contains the names of the parties, the land in dispute, the decision, and 
the date. If the decision be passed by the King, it records his authority ; if 
not, the authority of the Court. 
The sétta is given only to the gaining party, and no copy or record of the 
decision is preserved by the Court. 
The Great Court, in taking cognizance of civil and criminal cases, except 
those referred by the King, as well as in the infliction of punishment, cannot 
exceed the powers which are individually vested in the Adikars, and which 
are mentioned below. 
Jurisdiction of the Adikars. 
The Adikars are severally invested with the following judicial powers :— 
They have exclusive jurisdiction, subject only to the King, in civil and 
criminal cases, over all persons subject to their peculiar authority as above © 
described. 
They have a concurrent jurisdiction with the proper chiefs, over all 
persons in the provinces above described as subject respectively to their 
general authority: provided that they entertain no such cases except in 
communication with the proper chief, and that they cannot decide without 
his concurrence. 
If either party protests against the decision, the Adikars submit the case 
to the Great Court, or to the King, and are especially obliged to do so if 
he be of considerable rank, or attached to the King’s Court or to his imme- 
diate household. 
They can hear and decide criminal cases between individuals without 
limitation of value; but cannot take cognizance of those which affect the 
