Compounding of offenses. — (1) Any offense whether committed before or

54. Compounding of offenses. — (1) Any offense whether committed before or after the commencement of this Act punishable under sections 26,27,31,37,44,48,49, 50,51, and 52 or any rule made under this Act, may be compounded by such officers and for such amount as the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf: Provided that no offense shall be compoundable which is committed by failure to comply with a notice, order, or requisition issued by or on behalf of the Government or of any of the officers authorized under this Act and until the same has been complied with so far as the compliance is possible. (2) Where an offense has been compounded under sub-section (1), the offender if in custody, shall be set at liberty and no proceeding shall be instituted or continued against him in respect of such, offense.