In Brief
Rakesh was prosecuted under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 for violations of Sections 26(1)(g) and 41 involving an unauthorized vehicle. He offered to compound the offence, but the competent authority rejected this offer. The Supreme Court held that the authority had failed to properly consider the compounding application. Mere admission of guilt and vehicle use cannot be sole grounds for rejection. The Court allowed the appeal and directed the authority to reconsider the compounding offer within four weeks, enabling the appellant to recover the vehicle upon payment and compliance with applicable regulations.
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