Section 78. Compounding of offences.

(1) The Commissioner may, either before or after the institution of proceedings for any offence punishable under section 74 or under any rules made under this Act, after affording the person concerned an opportunity of being heard, accept from any person charged under 1[sub-section (4)] or under any rule, a sum not exceeding two thousand rupees and in any other case a sum not exceeding double the amount of tax which would have been payable in the sale, purchase or turnover to which the offence relates, by way of composition of the offence. (2) On payment of such sum as may be determined by the Commissioner 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, shall stand abated.