18/08/2025
is Compounding?
Compounding means settlement/compromise between the complainant (victim) and accused.
Once compounded, it amounts to an acquittal (Sec. 345(6) CrPC.
Purpose: To encourage reconciliation in less serious/personal disputes.
Types of Offences under Section 345 CrPC.
1. Compoundable Offences
Listed in Section 345(1) & (2) CrPC.
Some can be compounded without Court permission, some with Court permission.
Examples (without Court’s permission – Sec. 345(1)):
Like....
Hurt (Sec. 337A(i) PPC)
Defamation (Sec. 500 PPC)
Criminal trespass (Sec. 447 PPC)
Examples (with Court’s permission – Sec. 345(2)):
Causing grievous hurt (Sec. 325 PPC)
Cheating (Sec. 420 PPC)
Criminal breach of trust (Sec. 406 PPC)
2. Non-Compoundable Offences
Serious offences not mentioned in Sec. 345 CrPC.
Cannot be compromised, even if both parties agree.
Only the Court decides punishment.
Examples:
Murder (Sec. 302 PPC) → but note: under Qisas & Diyat laws, the heirs (wali) can forgive (waive Qisas or accept diyat) – that’s compounding under CrPC but under Islamic law incorporated into PPC.
R**e (Sec. 376 PPC)
Kidnapping (Sec. 364A PPC)
Terrorism offences
Key Differences (Pakistan CrPC)
Aspect Compoundable Non-Compoundable
Settlement Parties can compromise Parties cannot compromise
Court’s Role May or may not need permission (Sec. 345(1),(2)) Cannot allow compromise
Effect Accused is acquitted Trial continues
Examples Sec. 323, 325, 406, 420, 447, 500 PPC Sec. 302 (except diyat), 376, 364A PPC
Illustration (Pakistani context)
Compoundable Example:
A gives a slap to B (Sec. 323 PPC – simple hurt).
B files a case. Later, A apologizes, and B forgives him.
Since it’s compoundable, case ends with acquittal.
Non-Compoundable Example:
A rapes B (Sec. 376 PPC).
Even if B “forgives” A, the case cannot be withdrawn because it’s a crime against society.
The Court must continue the trial.
In short (Pakistan CrPC 345):
Compoundable offences = petty/private wrongs, compromise allowed.
Non-compoundable offences = grave/social wrongs, no compromise allowed.
Murder & hurt cases have a special rule under Qisas & Diyat provisions of PPC (separate from CrPC compounding).