Section 56: Composition of offences
Permits composition of specified offences on statutory terms while excluding ineligible repeat cases.
Statutory identity
What the provision requires
Permits composition of specified offences on statutory terms while excluding ineligible repeat cases.
Implementation control: Evaluate eligibility, calculate the composition amount, obtain formal order and ensure the underlying default is corrected.
Provision-level reading sequence
- Read each subsection, clause, proviso and explanation in the official text.
- Apply section 2 definitions before testing the obligation or exception.
- Identify the appropriate Government and the applicable Central or State rule.
- Check commencement, section-specific notifications and saved predecessor-law instruments.
- Document the factual test and the evidence supporting the conclusion.
Provision map — subsection, clause and qualification
This map decomposes the section into its operative tests. Use the linked India Code text for exact numbering and wording.
Eligibility
Only compoundable offences and eligible accused persons may use the route.
Repeat restriction
The statutory repeat-offence limitation must be checked.
Amount and officer
Use the notified composition officer and statutory amount formula.
Effect
A valid composition order resolves the offence as provided but does not excuse correction of the underlying default.
Linked Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026
Authority, form and filing map
Section-specific notification
Section 56(1): Composition officer/arrangement — open official Ministry library ↗
Evidence pack
- show-cause/complaint and sanction
- adjudication/prosecution record
- remediation and payment proof
- composition/appeal order
Compliance consequence
The consequence depends on the charged contravention, repeat status, responsible-person facts and whether adjudication, prosecution or composition applies.
Remedy path: identify the claims authority, appellate authority, adjudicating officer, Inspector-cum-Facilitator or criminal court applicable to the issue.
Worked example
Before acting on composition of offences, the employer records the applicable Government, employee category, operative instrument, calculation or procedural step, reviewer approval and evidence of completion.
Illustrative only. Apply actual wage notifications, contracts, dates, State rules and evidence.
Practical Q&A
Can an employment contract override this section?
Not where the contract reduces a statutory entitlement. Sections 60 and 61 must be considered, including any more favourable award, agreement or contract.
What should be checked before payroll or HR action?
Confirm coverage, appropriate Government, operative rate/order, the exact subsection and proviso, linked rule, evidence, approval and payment/filing deadline.
Primary sources
India Code — exact Section 56 text ↗
India Code — official consolidated Act PDF ↗
Ministry of Labour — Codes, Rules, notifications and FAQs ↗
Last official-source review: 16 July 2026.