Published Paper Details:

In Manipur, traditionally, punishment system was based on the customary laws and practices. Besides, kings had the authority for various offences to impose penalties and punishments as well. Some of the common features of the traditional punishment system include- (i) the punishment was supposed to be proportional to the gravity of the offence committed; (ii) the punishment was mainly aimed at restoring peace and harmony in the society, (iii) collective punishment of the offender and involving group was practiced rather than the individual concerned; (iv) various forms of punishments such as fines, compensation, restitution, public humiliation and banishment was common besides physical torture or death penalty. However, punishments were subject to negotiation, mediation and arbitration rather than the rigid and arbitrary. But in some sensational cases and cases involving national security like crime against the state there was least compromised. Sometimes, the severity of punishment was also changed on the wishes of the ruling monarchs. This traditional punishment system was however, gradually influenced and modified by the colonial rule of the British. Even than some of the system still allowed to apply which led to conflicts and contradictions. Here in this paper the writers are exploring and reviewing the traditional punishment system in the light of the modern system.