古代印度村社司法中的潘查亚特及其现代影响

Panchayat in Ancient Indian Village Judiciary Practices and Its Modern Influence

古代印度村社的司法职责主要由村社潘查亚特和支配种姓潘查亚特担负。潘查亚特以法经和法论为指导,根据村社习惯法处理纠纷,实现解决纠纷、惩罚犯罪和维护社会关系之司法基本功能。除具有显见的司法功能外,潘查亚特还具有隐秘的立法功能,故能使村社自成体系,成为维持雅利安自治传统的重要支柱。独立以来,印度先后建立起司法潘查亚特和乡村法庭体系。前者某种程度上是借资印度本土传统的失败尝试,后者则脱离了基于潘查亚特传统的争议解决机构设想,实际上是正式法院系统向乡村偏远地区的延伸。

Village community panchayat and dominant caste panchayat are the major players for judicial instrument in ancient Indian village community. In general, panchayat handled disputes in accordance with the customary law so as to solve disputes, punish crimes and maintain social relations. India after its independence established the Nyaya Panchayat system and Gram Nyayalaya system. The former was partly a failed attempt of learning from India’s indigenous heritage, while the latter can be regarded as an extension of the formal court system into rural areas.