52. | (1) Where any offence, not being art offence under section 27 has been committed in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, the Director may, in the case of a first offender, having regard to the circumstances in which the offence was committed and with the approval at the Minister, compound such offence for a sum of money equal to not less than one fifth of the maximum fine that could be imposed for such offence, and order the release of any fishing boat, engine, fishing net or other fishing gear or equipment, or any vehicle or thing, or fish or other aquatic resources seized under section 46 (4), in respect at which no order of detention has been made by a Magistrate under section 46 (5), on payment of a sum of money not exceeding the estimated value of such fishing boat, engine fishing net or other fishing gear, or equipment, or vehicle or thing, or fish or other aquatic resources. |
|
| (2) The compounding of any offence under subsection (1) shall be notified in writing under the signature of both parties to the Magistrate's Court, where. Proceeding in connection with the commission of the offence is pending and shall have the effect of an acquittal. |
|
|
Sri Lanka Consolidated Acts