Compounding of offences.

(1) The Commission may, either before or after the institution of proceedings, for any offence punishable under section 53 or 54 accept from any person charged with such offence by way of composition of the offence a sum not exceeding (i) five lakh rupees, where the offence charged is under section 53, and (ii) two lakh rupees, where the offence charged is under section 54. (2) On payment of such sum as determined by the Commission under sub-section (1), the accused person if in custody shall be set at liberty and if proceedings shall have been instituted against the accused in any criminal court, the composition shall be held to amount to an acquittal and no further proceedings shall be taken against the accused person in respect of that offence.