Compounding of certain offences.

1. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023), the offences under sub-section (3) of section 29, section 30 and section 31, which are punishable to the extent of punishment specified in the First Schedule under sub-section (2) of section 53 of this Act may, before or after the institution of prosecution, be compounded by the conservator on payment for credit to the appropriate Government of such sum and in such manner as may be notified by the appropriate Government: Provided that such sum shall not, in any case, exceed the maximum amount of the fine which may be imposed under this Act for the offences so compounded: Provided further that in case of second and subsequent offence, the same shall not be compounded.
2. (2) The officer referred to in sub-section (1) shall exercise the powers to compound an offence, subject to the direction, control and supervision of the appropriate Government.
3. (3) Every application for the compounding of an offence shall be made in such form and manner as may be notified by the appropriate Government.
4. (4) Where any offence is compounded before the institution of any prosecution, no prosecution shall be instituted against the offender in relation to whom the offence is so compounded.
5. (5) Where the compounding of any offence is made after the institution of any prosecution, such composition shall be brought by the officer referred to in sub-section (1), in writing, to the notice of the court in which the prosecution is pending and on such notice for compounding the offence being given, the person against whom the offence is so compounded shall be discharged.
6. (6) Any person who fails to comply with an order of compounding made by the officer referred to in sub-section (1), shall be liable to pay a sum equivalent to twenty per cent. of the maximum fine provided for the offence, in addition to fine provided for the said offence.
7. (7) No offence punishable under this Act shall be compounded except in accordance with the provisions of this section.]

¹ Ins. by Act 8 of 2026, s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 01.07.2026).