Compoundability of offences: negotiable instrument offences may be compounded despite general criminal procedure, permitting statutory settlement. Section 147 provides that offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act are compoundable, permitting compounding notwithstanding the general criminal procedure code; this applies to every offence punishable under the Act, including cheque dishonour offences, and makes compounding the statutory mechanism for resolving penal liability under the Act.