याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिमितोक्षरोक्तदिशा साधारणव्यवहारप्रविधिप्रक्रियाविमर्शः (An Analysis of General Legal Procedure in the Yājñavalkya & Mitakshara Tradition)

Abstract

The Yājñavalkya Smṛti outlines a structured legal system within its Vyavahāra Adhyāya, detailing ancient Indian civil and procedural law. This study examines key aspects such as types of disputes, pleadings, injunctions (āsedha), and the fourfold process—bhāṣā, uttara, kriyā, and phala. It reflects on the rational and organized nature of legal practice envisioned by ancient jurists and its continued relevance to modern legal thought.

Keywords: याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृति (Yājñavalkya Smṛti), व्यवहाराध्यायः (Vyavahāra Adhyāya), धर्मशास्त्रम् (Dharmaśāstra), व्यवहारप्रक्रिया (Legal Procedure of Dispute), पूर्वपक्षः (Plaint),उत्तरम् (Reply),आसेधः (Injunction), क्रिया (Evidence), फलम् (Judgment), व्यवहारभेदाः (Types of Legal Disputes), प्राड्विवाकः (Judge)