In Brief
A government employee was convicted by trial and appellate courts for sexual harassment of a female co-worker under IPC sections 354 and 109 read with 34, and sentenced to two years imprisonment. The appellant sought permission to compound the offence under CrPC section 320. The Supreme Court found that the offences were compoundable and, noting the complainant's affidavit that the parties had amicably settled after eight years with cordial relations restored, allowed the application for compounding and set aside the conviction and sentence, considering the appellant's position as sole earning member of a dependent family.
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