Complete guide to compounding of criminal offences under Section 320 CrPC covering compoundable offences, procedure for compromise, withdrawal of cases, and legal assistance.
📞 +91 7001486154Compounding is the settlement of criminal cases between parties with court permission. Section 320 CrPC classifies offences as compoundable (can be settled) and non-compoundable (cannot be settled). Compoundable offences can be settled without or with court permission enabling acquittal of the accused.
Without court permission: Section 498A (cruelty), 323 (hurt), 379 (theft), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 414 (assisting in stolen property disposal). With court permission: 325 (grievous hurt), 354 (assault on woman), 426 (mischief), 500 (defamation). Non-compoundable: 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 395 (dacoity), 307 (attempt to murder).
Both parties file joint application before court expressing willingness to settle. Court verifies that compromise is voluntary. For compoundable offences, court allows compounding and acquits accused. For non-compoundable, court may consider compromise for sentence reduction but cannot acquit.
Section 320 CrPC lists compoundable offences. Examples: hurt (323), theft (379), criminal breach of trust (406), defamation (500). Serious offences like murder, rape are non-compoundable.
No. They cannot be withdrawn. However, court may consider compromise as mitigating factor for sentence reduction if conviction has already occurred.
Both parties file application in court. Court verifies voluntary nature of compromise and allows compounding. Accused acquitted if offence is compoundable.
Yes. For compoundable offences, the accused is acquitted upon compounding. The case is treated as finally disposed.
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