Page 76 - High_Court_Of_Sikkim_Museum_ebook_Final_2024

No. 9. –– MURDER

For killing a man the fine is heavy—even up to many thousands of gold
pieces. In the Tsalpa law book it is written that if a child, a madman, or animal kills
any one no fine is taken, but that money must be given by the relations of the first
two for funeral expenses, and one-fourth of that amount must be given by the
owner of the animal towards these expenses.

Should one man kill another and plead for mercy, he must, besides the fine,
give compensation and food to the relative of the deceased.

Should a man kill his equal and the relatives come to demand compensation,
he must give them 18oz. of gold in order to pacify them. The price of blood should
never be too much reduced, or a man may say, “If this is all I have to give, I will kill
another.”

The arbitrator must take the seal of each party, saying they abide by his
decision, and they must each deposit 3oz. of gold as security.

Fines can be paid in cash, animals, and articles of different kinds.

The price for killing a gentleman who has 300 servants, or a super-intendent of
a district, or a Lama Professor, is 300 to 400oz. gold srang. For full Lamas, Government
officers, and gentlemen with 100 servants the fine is 200oz. of gold.

For killing gentlemen who possess a horse and 5 or 6 servants, working Lamas,
the fine is 145 to 150oz. of gold.

For killing men with no rank, old Lamas, personal servants, the fine is 80oz. of
gold.

For killing a man who has done good work for Government the fine is 50 to
70oz. of gold.

For killing unmarried men, servants, and butchers the price is 30 gold srang.

And for killing blacksmiths and beggars 10 to 20oz. of gold.

These prices can also be paid in grain. The prices for funeral expenses must
be paid within 49 days.

On the fines being paid, a letter must be written and a copy given to each
party, saying that everything has been settled. If a case is re-opened, a fine must be
paid by him who opens the case. The murdered must write to the effect he will not
commit such a crime again. Part of the fines can be given towards the funeral
expenses of the deceased.

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