Which Rigvedic assembly was associated with judicial functions as well as discussion of public matters?

The "Sabha" was a Rigvedic assembly that was associated with judicial functions, along with discussion of public matters.

About the Sabha:

• It was a smaller and more select body than the Samiti, consisting of elders and important people.
• It performed some judicial work, such as settling disputes.
• It also discussed matters of administration and was a place for social activities and gambling (the game of dice).
• In the early Vedic period, women also attended the Sabha, but in the later Vedic period they were not allowed to do so.
• The member of the Sabha was called "sabheya" or "sabhasad".

Other Vedic assemblies:

"Samiti": a larger, more popular assembly of the people (or tribe); it may have had a role in choosing or approving the king. The king was expected to attend its meetings.

"Vidatha": the oldest assembly mentioned in the Rigveda (about 122 times); it seems to have been a gathering for religious, military and social purposes, including the distribution of booty. Women took part actively in it.

"Gana": a group or troop; the word was later used for republics, as in "gana-sangha".

Decline of the assemblies:

• In the later Vedic period, as the power of the king grew, the importance of the Sabha and Samiti declined.
• The Vidatha disappeared completely.
• The Sabha became more like a royal court or council, and the Samiti lost its role.

Assemblies in later India:

• The tradition of assemblies continued in the "gana-sanghas" (republics) of the 6th century BCE, such as the Vajji confederacy, where decisions were taken in assemblies.
• The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha of the Indian Parliament use the word "sabha".

Why not the other options?

• ✗The "Samiti" was a larger popular assembly.
• ✗The "Vidatha" was the oldest assembly, mainly religious and military.
• ✗"Gana" refers to a group or republic.