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Compoundable Offences in IPC: Complete List & Rules
In criminal law, not all offences are treated equally when it comes to resolution. Compoundable offences allow the victim and accused to settle the matter amicably, potentially leading to the case being dropped. This is governed primarily by Section 320 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, which lists specific offences from the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 that can be compounded—either without court permission or with it. Understanding compoundable offences listed in the IPC is crucial for anyone navigating criminal proceedings, as it can save time, resources, and relationships.
This blog post breaks down the list, rules, distinctions from non-compoundable offences, and judicial interpretations based on key Supreme Court rulings. Note: This is general information for educational purposes and not specific legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your situation, as outcomes depend on case facts.
What Are Compoundable Offences?
Compoundable offences are those where the parties involved (complainant and accused) can reach a compromise, leading to acquittal or dismissal without full trial. Section 320 CrPC divides them into two categories:
- Table 1 (Sub-section 1): Minor offences compoundable without court permission. These are typically private wrongs with low societal impact.
- Table 2 (Sub-section 2): More serious offences compoundable with court permission after considering public interest.
Section 320(9) explicitly bars compounding of non-compoundable offences except as provided, emphasizing that courts cannot indirectly convert them via inherent powers alone. Narinder Singh VS State of Punjab - 2014 2 Supreme 642
Key Principle: Section 320(1) is applicable to minor offences – Permission of the court is not required – Section 320(2) applies to serious offences and compounding requires permission of the court. Narinder Singh VS State of Punjab - 2014 2 Supreme 642
Complete List of Compoundable Offences in IPC
While Section 320 doesn't exhaustively list every IPC section here, court judgments and the CrPC table highlight common ones. Below is a curated list based on referenced cases (not exhaustive; refer to latest CrPC for full table):
Compoundable Without Court Permission (Section 320(1)):
- IPC Section 323: Voluntarily causing hurt. AVARANKUTTY vs STATE OF KERALA - 2016 Supreme(Online)(KER) 20411
- IPC Section 341: Wrongful restraint. Vipin vs State of H.P. - 2025 Supreme(HP) 550
- IPC Section 504: Intentional insult to provoke breach of peace. Korlapu Sarada VS State of A. P. - 2021 Supreme(AP) 881
- Many petty assaults and minor thefts.
Compoundable With Court Permission (Section 320(2)):
- IPC Section 324: Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons. AVARANKUTTY vs STATE OF KERALA - 2016 Supreme(Online)(KER) 20411 Mohar Singh VS State of M. P. - 2021 Supreme(MP) 15
- IPC Section 325: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt (converted in some cases). CHITHIRAISELVAN VS STATE REP BY INSPECTOR OF POLICE - 2018 Supreme(Mad) 2953
- IPC Section 420: Cheating (in certain contexts, especially NI Act overlaps). Umar vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh - 2026 Supreme(Online)(MP) 2382
- IPC Section 498A: Cruelty by husband/relatives (debated; often quashed via 482, not strictly compounded). B. S. Joshi VS State Of Haryana - 2003 3 Supreme 227
- IPC Section 406: Criminal breach of trust (matrimonial cases). Jitendra Raghuvanshi VS Babita Raghuvanshi - 2013 2 Supreme 417
- Dowry Prohibition Act Sections 3 & 4 (linked to IPC). Katta Sudheer and 2 Others vs The State of Telangana and another
Important: Offences like IPC 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (grievous hurt by dangerous means), and 376 (rape) are typically non-compoundable, though courts may quash proceedings in exceptional cases. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH VS LAXMI NARAYAN - 2019 3 Supreme 1 Narinder Singh VS State of Punjab - 2014 2 Supreme 642
Non-Compoundable Offences: No Direct Compounding
Offences not in Section 320 tables, such as IPC 120B (conspiracy), 420 (cheating in serious fraud), 307, 326, and serious crimes like murder or corruption, cannot be compounded directly. No offence shall be compounded except as provided by this Section. Damodar S. Prabhu VS Sayed Babalal H. - 2010 3 Supreme 547
However, courts distinguish quashing (under Section 482 CrPC) from compounding. Quashing doesn't convert a non-compoundable offence into compoundable—it's about preventing abuse of process. Quashing a proceeding becoming futile after compromise and compounding of offence - Two different things. GIAN SINGH VS STATE OF PUNJAB - 2012 7 Supreme 1
Quashing Non-Compoundable Offences Under Section 482 CrPC
High Courts wield inherent powers under Section 482 to quash FIRs/proceedings even for non-compoundable offences if:
- Parties settle amicably (e.g., matrimonial disputes).
- No public interest harmed.
- Trial would be futile.
Landmark Rulings:
- B.S. Joshi case: High Court can quash 498A/406 IPC (non-compoundable) in matrimonial cases to promote settlements. High Court in exercise of its inherent powers can quash criminal proceedings... Section 320 does not limit... powers under Section 482. B. S. Joshi VS State Of Haryana - 2003 3 Supreme 227 Jitendra Raghuvanshi VS Babita Raghuvanshi - 2013 2 Supreme 417
- Nikhil Merchant: Approved quashing for 120B/420 IPC post-compromise. GIAN SINGH VS STATE OF PUNJAB - 2012 7 Supreme 1
- Cheque Bounce (NI Act 138): Special compounding rules with costs (10-20% of amount) to encourage early settlements. Damodar S. Prabhu VS Sayed Babalal H. - 2010 3 Supreme 547
- Matrimonial/Sexual Offences: Quashing allowed if voluntary (e.g., post-marriage settlements), but not for heinous crimes like 307. Channabasappa S/o Sangappa Giriyal vs State Of Karnataka - 2025 Supreme(Kar) 1455 Anupam Behera vs State of Odisha - 2023 Supreme(Online)(Ori) 6761
- Limits: Not for serious societal crimes. FIR for offences not compoundable should not be quashed... u/s 307. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH VS LAXMI NARAYAN - 2019 3 Supreme 1
Guidelines for Courts (from cases):
1. Nature/gravity of offence.
2. Antecedents of accused.
3. Settlement voluntariness.
4. Societal impact. Neeharika Infrastructure Private Limited VS State of Maharashtra - 2021 3 Supreme 531
Practical Examples from Judgments
- Matrimonial (498A/406): Routinely quashed on compromise; promotes family harmony. B. S. Joshi VS State Of Haryana - 2003 3 Supreme 227
- Assault (323/324): Compoundable; quashed if settled. AVARANKUTTY vs STATE OF KERALA - 2016 Supreme(Online)(KER) 20411
- Fraud (420/120B): Quashed if civil dispute resolved (e.g., bank loans). Nikhil Merchant VS Central Bureau of Investigation - 2008 6 Supreme 322
- 307 IPC: Rarely quashed; heinous against society. Narinder Singh VS State of Punjab - 2014 2 Supreme 642
- NI Act 138: Encouraged early compounding with escalating costs. Damodar S. Prabhu VS Sayed Babalal H. - 2010 3 Supreme 547
Key Takeaways
- Check Section 320 Tables: Primary source for compoundable offences listed in the IPC.
- Minor vs. Serious: No permission for petty; court nod for others.
- Non-Compoundable? Use 482: Possible in private disputes, but sparingly for heinous crimes.
- Public Policy: Courts balance justice, avoiding hyper-technical barriers in matrimonial cases. B. S. Joshi VS State Of Haryana - 2003 3 Supreme 227
| Offence Type | Examples | Compounding Rule |
|--------------|----------|------------------|
| Compoundable (No Permission) | 323, 341 | Direct settlement |
| Compoundable (With Permission) | 324, 498A (debated) | Court approval |
| Non-Compoundable | 307, 326, 420 (serious) | Quashing via 482 possible |
In summary, while compoundable offences in IPC offer straightforward resolution, non-compoundable ones require judicial scrutiny. Settlements foster peace but can't override societal protection. Always verify with current law and seek professional advice.
Disclaimer: Laws evolve; this post reflects discussed cases up to available data. Not legal advice.
Search Results for "Compoundable Offences in IPC: Complete List & Rules"
2012 7 Supreme 1 • India - Supreme Court
R.M.LODHA, SUDHANSU JYOTI MUKHOPADHAYA, ANIL R.DAVE
of offence - Two different things - By quashing a proceeding Court does not convert a non-compoundable offence into a compoundable ... (a) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 - Section 320 - Compoundable offences - Abatement ... to offences u/ss 120B and 420, IPC. ... 482 of the Code vis-à-vis the express bar for compounding of the non-compoundable#HL_EN....
2014 2 Supreme 642 • India - Supreme Court
K.S.RADHAKRISHNAN, A.K.SIKRI
(a) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – Section 320 – Compounding of offences – Section ... 320(1) is applicable to minor offences – Permission of the court is not required – Section 320(2) applies to serious offences and ... compounding requires permission of the court. ... of non-compoundable offences. ... the non-compoundable offences indirectly? ... An #HL_ST....
2003 3 Supreme 227 • India - Supreme Court
Y.K.SABHARWAL, H.K.SEMA
and 406-Offences under-Offences under Sections 498A and 306 not compoundable ... -Appeal to Supreme Court-Whether High Court can quash non-compoundable criminal proceedings under Section 482 Cr.P.C. irrespective ... (Yes, in present case of matrimonial offences-Appeal allowed. ... non-compoundable offences. ... of the High Court the offences under Sections 498A and 406 IPC are ....
2013 2 Supreme 417 • India - Supreme Court
proceedings in non-compoundable offences relating to matrimonial disputes is called in question in this case. ... :412>IPC since both are non-compoundable? ... proceedings in respect of offences under Sections 498A and 406 of of the criminal proceedings in non-compoundable offences relating to matrimonial disputes. ... proceedings in respect of offences#....
2010 3 Supreme 547 • India - Supreme Court
J. M. PANCHAL, K. G. BALAKRISHNAN, P. SATHASIVAM
the leave of the Court, while sub-section (2) of the said section specifies the offences which are compoundable with the leave of ... parties but only with the leave of the Court-Sub-section (1) of Section 320 enumerates the offences which are compoundable without ... is concerned, Section 320 deals with offences which are compoundable, either by the parties without the leave of ....
2016 Supreme(Online)(KER) 20411 • India - High Court of Kerala
P.D.RAJAN, J
Ratio Decidendi: The court highlighted that offences listed as compoundable under Section 320 IPC could be dealt with by compromise ... of the offences that were compoundable under IPC, leading to acquittal for those charges while upholding the conviction for the ... for non-compoundable offences post-settlement. ... Most of the compoundable offences are non cog....
2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 27763 • India - High Court of Kerala
K. Babu, J
for non-compoundable offenses and ensuring justice. ... Ratio Decidendi: The court held that it may quash proceedings in non-compoundable offenses where parties have reached a settlement ... Fact of the Case: Petitioners, accused in a domestic violence case under IPC Section 498-A, sought to quash the FIR ... criminal proceedings in relation to non- compoundable offences, where the parties have settled the matter between themselves notwithstanding ......
• India - High Court for the State of Telangana
of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, are compoundable offences. ... the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, are compoundable offences. ... the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, are compoundable offences.
2008 Supreme(Online)(KER) 32915 • India - High Court of Kerala
R.BASANT, J
Fraud - Cooperative Banking - IPC Sections [420, 465, 471] - The court emphasized the non-compoundable nature of certain offences ... affected parties had compounded their offenses and sought dismissal of proceedings under Section 482 Cr.P.C. ... Ratio Decidendi: The court held that non-compoundable offenses must not be dismissed merely because the private parties reached ... Some of the offences ....
2023 Supreme(Online)(Ori) 6761 • India - IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK
V.NARASINGH
... ... Issues: Main issues centered on the nature of the offenses and the propriety of quashing non-compoundable offenses due to ... offences, citing compromise between parties - Court noted the informant's affidavit confirming resolution of matrimonial disputes ... are non-compoundable, the exercise of inherent powers under section 482 can allow quashing if the disputes are resolved amicably ... the Code to quas....
2021 0 Supreme(UK) 769 • India - Uttarakhand
SHARAD KUMAR SHARMA
A composition application is being opposed by the Government Advocate on the ground that offence under Sections 328 IPC is not compoundable. 4. ... JUDGMENTThe petitioners who are accused for commission of offences under Sections 328, 403, 34 and 420 IPC, had prayed for quashing of the First Information Report No.474 of 2020, which was registered against them on 15.09.2020 at P.S. ... On account of the fact the offence has now been compounded and the counsel for the petitioners in answer to the objection raised by the Go....
2021 0 Supreme(MP) 15 • India - Madhya Pradesh
VISHAL MISHRA
Counsel for the State has submitted that the offences under Sections 323, 506 and 34 of IPC being compoundable in nature and the same can be quashed on the basis of the compromise entered into between the parties, but the offences under Sections 324, 326 and 294 of IPC being non-compoundable offences ... From perusal of the report it is seen that the offences 323, 506 and 34 of IPC are compoundable in nature and ot....
2025 0 Supreme(HP) 550 • India - IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA
Mr Justice Rakesh Kainthla, J
/law/412">Indian Penal Code ( IPC ) based on the compromise effected between the parties. When the matter was listed, it was noticed that the offences punishable under Sections 341 , 323 and 506 of IPC are compoundable, whereas offence punishable under Section 507 of the IPC is not compoundable and should be made compoundable to the extent it refers to Section 506(i) of IPC . ... /judgement/00100007767">2003 (4) SC....
2021 0 Supreme(UK) 757 • India - Uttarakhand
SHARAD KUMAR SHARMA
The said compounding application was strongly objected by the learned State Counsel, on the two pretexts that (a) the medical report supports the prosecution story about the commission of the offences (b) some of the offences of the complaint are not compoundable. ... Pranjal Pathak and others", for the commission, of the offences punishable under Sections 147, 148, 307, 323 and 506 of IPC, which was registered at Police Station Ramnagar, District Nainital. 5. ... (Oral)The applicants who are accused fo....
2021 0 Supreme(AP) 881 • India - Andhra Pradesh
CHEEKATI MANAVENDRANATH ROY
They were tried for the offences punishable under Sections 498A, 326 IPC and under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. ... Certain offences are enumerated therein in Clause (1) of Section 320 Cr.P.C. and Clause (2) of Section 320 Cr.P.C. which are compoundable without permission of the Court and with the permission of the Court. Section 326 IPC is not enumerated either in Clause (1) or Clause (2) of Section 320 Cr.P.C. ... After trial, in the final adjudication of the said case, they were fou....
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