Section 18. Compounding of offences.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) any offence punishable under section 16 may be compounded by any officer as may be specially authorised by the Government in this behalf, either before or after institution of the proceeding for any offence punishable under this Act, by accepting from any person charged with such offence by way of composition of the offence, a sum not less than the amount of maximum fine and not more than double the amount of the maximum fine for the offence punishable by or under this Act : Provided that, in the event of offence of charging of excessive fee, such sum shall not be less than double the amount of fee excessively charged or five lakhs rupees, whichever is higher. (2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to a person who commits the same or similar offence within a period of two years from the date on which the first offence committed by him was compounded. (3) Where an offence has been compounded under sub-section (1), no proceeding shall be taken against the accused person in respect of the same offence and any proceeding if already taken shall stand abated and the accused, if in custody, shall be discharged forthwith.