Insertion of new section 32-A.

After section 32 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely:— “32-A. Compounding of offences.—(1) Any offence punishable under section 29 or section 32 may, either before or after the institution of the prosecution, be compounded by the Commissioner of Labour or any other officer as may be authorised in this behalf by the Commissioner of Labour, on payment, for credit to Government, of such sum as the Commissioner of Labour or the officer authorised by him may specify: Provided that the sum payable under this sub-section shall not exceed the maximum amount of fine which may be imposed for the offence so compounded. (2) Where an offence has been compounded under sub-section (1), the offender, if in custody, shall be discharged and no further proceeding shall be taken against him, in respect of such offence.’’.