Compounding of offences
என்றும் அழைத்தார்: compromise in criminal case
Settling a criminal case by agreement between the victim and the accused, with the court's permission where the law requires it. Only offences listed in Section 359 of the BNSS can be compounded.
Some offences mainly affect private parties, such as simple hurt, criminal trespass or defamation. For these, the law lets the victim and the accused settle, and the settlement ends the case with the effect of an acquittal.
The law behind it
Section 359 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaced Section 320 of the old CrPC, lists the compoundable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in two tables: those the victim can compound without the court's permission, and those that need the court's permission. Offences not listed cannot be compounded.
Offences that cannot be compounded
For serious, non-compoundable offences, parties sometimes ask the High Court to quash the case after a settlement, under its inherent powers (now Section 528 of the BNSS). The High Court decides case by case and is slow to quash serious offences against society.
Cheque bounce cases
Offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 are compoundable under its own Section 147, at any stage. See cheque bounce.
- Put the settlement terms in writing and signed by both sides.
- File a joint application in the court hearing the case.
- Pay or perform as agreed before the case is closed, where possible.
Draft a compounding application or a compromise petition.
கீழே உள்ள ஆதாரங்களுக்கு எதிராக சரிபார்க்கப்பட்டது 7 நவம்பர், 2026 IST. இந்திய சட்டம் பற்றிய பொதுவான தகவல்கள், உங்கள் வழக்குக்கான சட்ட ஆலோசனை அல்ல.