Section 23: Institution of proceedings and composition of offences

(1) A person shall not be proceeded against for an offence under section 20 or section 21 or section 22 or under the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) except at the instance of the [Chief Commissioner or Commissioner.]

(2) The [Chief Commissioner or Commissioner] may, either before or after the institution of proceedings, compound any offence punishable under section 20 or section 21 or section 22.

Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.

Supreme Court judgments citing the section 23

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