(1) The offences under section 17B of this Act, may be compounded, either before or after institution of prosecution by an officer equivalent to the rank of Joint Director in the Industries/Coir Department, appointed by the Government by notification in the Gazette in this behalf, on an application made to such officer by the person alleged of the offence, on payment of seventy five per cent of the amount of fine provided under the said section.
(2) Every application for compounding the offences shall be made in such form and in such manners as may be prescribed.
(3) Where compounding of an offence is made before the institution of prosecution, no prosecution shall be instituted with respect to that offence against whom the offence is so compounded.
(4) Where the compounding of an offence is made after institution of the prosecution, such compounding shall be made with the permission of the court and after such compounding the accused shall be acquitted.
(5) The amount received on compounding of the offences shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of the State.