Consjitution of the Kandyan Kingdom. 231 
In like manner, when submitted to them, they can hear complaints of 
petty robberies and quarrels, toddy and arrack drinking, &c. 
They can punish persons of low degree by ten or fifteen blows with the 
open hand, inflicted standing. 
Robbers whose guilt is clear and confessed, they imprison till satisfaction 
ismade; but if the accused deny or protest, they are bound to send both 
parties before the superior chief. 
It is held that in other cases they cannot imprison above one or two days, 
either by taking off the handkerchief or by close confinement, without send- 
ing the party, or at least reporting him to their chief. 
And that they cannot legally, by their own authority, levy a fine exceed- 
ing three ridi. Butin acase which clearly merits it, they can levy a fine of 
five, or seven ridi and a half, in the name of their chief, reporting the case 
and delivering the fine to him, and one ridi more for their own perquisite. 
They recover fines by placing in Welakma, in the manner before des- 
cribed, and act as police officers in their respective districts and depart- 
ments. 
Jurisdiction of Vidans. 
The Vidans who are appointed over particular villages have limited powers, 
of the same nature, in civil and criminal matters of trifling importance. 
They occasionally punish people of low castes by a few blows with the open 
hand, inflicted standing. 
In general they cannot properly imprison without reporting to their chief, 
nor levy a fine exceeding two ridi and a half, of which the half rzdi belongs 
to the Duraya. 
If they levy a larger sum, they must report and account for it to their chief. 
But the Vidans of the royal villages, especially of those situated in the 
desavonies, imprison four or five days at the royal granary, and levy many 
fines of small amount, especially for neglect in the cultivation of royal land, 
and trespasses of cattle, &c. 
They recover fines by placing in Welakma, and act as police officers within 
their local jurisdiction. 
Gansabe* or Village Court. 
This court is frequently held both in the desavonies and the upper districts, 
and consists of an assembly of the principal and experienced men of a 
* Sans. Grama a village and sabha an assembly. 
Vou. IIT. 2-H 
