Powers to compound offences

Powers to compound offences (A) (1) Subject to any rule made in this behalf a Gram Panchayat, Kshettra Panchayat and Zila Panchayat may, either before or after the institution of any criminal case, compound an offence against this Act or any rule or bye-laws made thereunder on payment of such sum in cash to the Gram Panchayat, Kshettra Panchayat and Zila Panchayat as may be prescribed. (2) When an offence has been compounded the offender, if is in custody, shall be discharged and no further proceedings shall be taken against him in respect of the offence so compounded. All sums paid by way of composition under this section shall be credited to the Gram Fund, Kshettra Fund and Zila Fund.