Power to compound offences.

(1) The Gram Panchayat may, subject to such restrictions and control, as may be prescribed, compound for a sum not more than rupees five thousand, any offence against the provisions of this Act or any rule or bye-law made thereunder, which may by rules, be declared compoundable. (2) On payment of the amount by way of compounding no further proceedings shall be taken or continued against the defaulter in regard to the offence or alleged offence so compounded, unless it is a continuing offence. (3) Nothing in this section shall apply to election offences.