(1) The Authority may, either before or after the institution of the proceedings for any offence punishable under this Act, with the approval of the State Government, accept from any person charged with such offence, by way of composition of the offence, a sum not less than the amount of the maximum fine and not more than double the amount of the maximum fine for the offences punishable by or under this Act.
(2) On payment of such sum as may be determined by the Authority or the State Government or any officer authorised by the State Government under sub-section (1), no further proceedings shall be taken against the accused person in respect of the same offence, and any proceedings if already taken or initiated shall stand abated, and the accused person, if in custody, shall be discharged.