Compunding of offence.

(1) An offence punishable under section 20 may, before the institution of the prosecution, be compounded by the Competent Authority, and after the institution of the prosecution, be compounded by the Competent. Authority with the permission of the Court, on payment of the entire amount dug to thg caoosrtors with interest. (2) Where an offence has been compounded under sub-section (1), no proceeding or further proceeding, as the case may be, shall be taken or continued against the offender, in respect of the offence so compounded and the offender if in custody, shall be discharged forthwith.