https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=287517 Compounding of offences is confined to the limits of Section 320 CrPC, and criminal plea bargaining beyond that framework is not recognised. A conviction or reduced sentence based on negotiated terms is inconsistent with the court's duty to determine criminal liability on the evidence, and is treated as contrary to public policy and fair procedure under Article 21. Even where the accused does not challenge conviction, the court must independently examine the record before maintaining or altering sentence; a concession by the accused cannot by itself justify reduction on bargaining terms. The High Court's order was therefore unsustainable and was set aside, with the matter remitted for decision on merits. en-us Fri, 29 Oct 1999 00:00:00 +0530 Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:01:45 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=287517 Compounding of offences is confined to the limits of Section 320 CrPC, and criminal plea bargaining beyond that framework is not recognised. A conviction or reduced sentence based on negotiated terms is inconsistent with the court's duty to determine criminal liability on the evidence, and is treated as contrary to public policy and fair procedure under Article 21. Even where the accused does not challenge conviction, the court must independently examine the record before maintaining or altering sentence; a concession by the accused cannot by itself justify reduction on bargaining terms. The High Court's order was therefore unsustainable and was set aside, with the matter remitted for decision on merits. Case-Laws Indian Laws Fri, 29 Oct 1999 00:00:00 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=287517