Insertion of section 186-A.

After section 186 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: — "186-A. Compounding of offences.— (1) Any offence punishable under this Act or rules or bye-laws made thereunder either before or after institution of prosecution, may be compounded by the Commissioner, on payment by that person, for credit to the municipality of such sum as the Commissioner may specify: Provided that the fine amount shall not exceed the amount of fine specified under this Act or rules or bye-laws made thereunder. (2) Where an offence is compounded under sub-section (1), no proceeding or further proceeding, as the case may be, shall be taken against the offender in respect of such offence so compounded, and the offender, if in custody, shall be released forthwith.".