In Uttar Pradesh snake charmers have a special court which meets thrice a year to sort out their disputes. Snake charmers from neighbouring States too arrive here to solve their disputes.
By Vibhav Porov
Harpalpur (Uttar Pradesh), Aug.1 : In Uttar Pradesh snake charmers have a special court which meets thrice a year to sort out their disputes. Snake charmers from neighbouring States too arrive here to solve their disputes.
The snake charmers congregate at Harpalpur village of Badayun District thrice--on Holi (festival of colours), Ashad (July-August) and Vijayadashami (Dussera). .
All snake charmers are supposed to abide by the judgments of this special court..
Elders of the community play the role of judges and adjudicate on disputes ranging from rape to theft. Each offence has a distinct punishment.
Ravi Nath, a snake charmer arrived from Rajasthan, said: "I have come from Rajasthan. I think that my brother has stolen some money and I want the court to do justice."
Elders say, the decision of the 'judges' is final, and there is no appeal. Anyone disrespecting or going against the verdict is ostracised by the community.
The punishment is announced on the basis of nature of the crime by this unique court.
Prayag Nath, village head and the judge, said: "Anyone found guilty of raping is awarded a punishment of being taken around his village sitting on a donkey and with a blackened face. The man and woman are later thrown out of the village."
For theft, the punishment is to walk seven steps holding a red-hot iron rod.
Ravi Nath and his brother Bishmanath, approached the snake charmers' court in a theft case. Both were made to walk seven-steps holding the hot iron rod. Since Bishmanath did not drop the rod while walking, the judges adjudicated he had not committed the crime.
Bishmanath, the accused, said: "My brother accused me of stealing, so we have come here to seek justice. The Sarpanch (village head) made me walk seven steps carrying hot iron rod weighing 1.25 kilograms. I won the case because I didn't drop the rod in between. I am happy now."
The special court assembles and summons the litigants. After hearing the charges and arguments of both sides, the judges clap thrice to indicate the case has been heard and decided.
Before the trial session begins, a snake show is organised to entertain the guests or assembled snake charmers. The snake charmers blow long pipes "Bins" to make snakes 'dance' to its tunes.
ANI