BISWABAHAN DAS vs GOPEN CHANDRA HAZARIKA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in equating the effect of Section 62 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, with Section 345(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, regarding the compounding of forest offences. The Court clarified that while compensation may prevent further proceedings, it does not clear the character of the offender. The Board of Revenue was justified in considering the respondent's conduct in rendering compensation for the offence, and thus the appeal was allowed, reversing the High Court's decision.