SIKHIM LAWS. 49 



not equals should be heard separately. Should any one not agree to 

 your decision, he can be fined. 



If the evidence be false, both parties are fined according to which 

 has given the most false evidence. 



If after a decision has been given the parties wish to compound 

 between themselves, one-half of the fine only is imposed. 



No. 5. — Geave Offences. 



There are five sins : 



(1) Murder of mother, (2) murder of holy men, (3) murder of 

 father, (4) making mischief amongst Lamas, and (5) causing hurt to 

 good men. There are also the sins of taking things from Rajas and 

 Lamas for our own use ; causing a good man to fall through no fault of 

 bis own ; administering poison ; killing any one for gain ; causing strife 

 in a peaceful country ; and making mischief. 



For the above offences punishments are inflicted, such as putting 

 the eyes out, cutting tlie throat, having the tongue cut out, having the 

 hands cut off, being thrown from cliffs, and being thrown into deep 

 water. 



No. 6. — Fines inflicted for Offences in order to make people 



REMEMBER, 



Certain crimes may be punished by money fines, varying in 

 accordance with the gravity of the offence. 



When a number of men have committed dacoity, they may be 

 fined from 15 to 80 gold srang.* For small offences smaller fines are 

 imposed, and can be paid either in money or in kindj the amount to 

 be settled by the officer trying the case. 



No. 7. — Law of Imprisonment. 



Any one rioting, using arms, and disputing near the court can be 

 imprisoned. Thieves and those who destroy property, and those who 

 do not obey the village headman, those who give bad advice, those 

 who abuse their betters, can be bound and put in the stocks and fined 

 according to the law, and are only released if petitioned by some one 

 in authority who makes himself responsible for his fine. 



* NoTB. — One srang = one oz. 



