From time immemorial the Nilgiri plateau is traditionally occupied by its tribal inhabitants people distinguished their living place into four categories called Poranganad, on the east, Mekunad, on the west, Todhanad, on the north, Kundhe, on the south-west of the plateau and they had their own tribal version of Democracy on the Nilgiri Hills with the name, “Nakkubettah.” (Tribal Panchayat System).
They had solved their problems in their own tribal court of Nakkubettah. Before the British period they had no necessity for a police station, Court, or a Jail. Even today Badugas pay respect to their traditional Baduga Community’s Council administration and accept the Judgment of their chiefs and hereditary head.
If an issue arise first the people will report to the village head men called "Gowndikae or Gowda". The Headmen arrange for a meeting where all the village people will attend. He will try to solve the problem. If the issues is not solved it will go to the next level meeting where 8 - 19 villages take part in it. Even then the prob is not solved the issue will be taken to the next final level called Nakkubettah. Leaders and people from all part of Nilgiris will attend and solve the problem.
