Section 320 of CrPC : Section 320: Compounding Of Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where two neighbors, Mr. Sharma and Mr. Khan, get into an argument over a shared parking space. During the heat of the moment, Mr. Sharma utters words with the deliberate intent to wound Mr. Khan's religious feelings, an offence under Section 298 of the Indian Penal Code.

Realizing his mistake, Mr. Sharma apologizes to Mr. Khan, and they both wish to move past the incident without going through a lengthy court process. They learn about Section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows certain offences to be compounded, meaning the parties involved can settle the matter amongst themselves without a trial.

Since the offence committed by Mr. Sharma is listed under Section 320(1) as compoundable, Mr. Khan, being the person whose religious feelings were intended to be wounded, has the right to compound the offence. They approach the local police station, where Mr. Sharma formally offers compensation for his actions, and Mr. Khan agrees to accept it and not pursue the case further.

With this agreement, they effectively compound the offence, and as per Section 320(8), the composition has the effect of an acquittal for Mr. Sharma. The incident is resolved without further legal proceedings, and both neighbors agree to be more considerate in the future.