Section 431 of CrPC : Section 431: Money Ordered To Be Paid Recoverable As A Fine

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a court has ordered a person to pay compensation to a victim for damages caused during a brawl. This compensation is not a fine, but it is ordered under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Since the method of recovery is not specified, Section 431 of the Code would apply, allowing the compensation to be recovered as if it were a fine.

Furthermore, if the court had also ordered the person to pay the legal costs of the victim under Section 359, the recovery process would be aligned with the provisions of Section 421 as if the order for payment of costs is similar to an order under Section 357 regarding compensation to victims.