a completely different footing, either of them cannot vary the other. Where an accused is directed to pay compensation to victims, the same is not meant as punishment or atonement of the convict but rather as a step towards reparation to the victims who have suffered from the offence committed by the convict. 26 If payment of compensation becomes a consideration for reducing sentence, then the same will have a catastrophic effect on the criminal justice administration. It will result in criminals with a purse full of money to buy their way out of justice, defeating the very purpose of criminal proceedings. 9SLPR 2653-54/2016 27 Having held so as above, the last question that falls for our consideration is how do we modify the order of the High Court. According to Mr Raval that part of the High Court’s order be set aside and the respondents be directed to undergo sentence of four years’ rigorous imprisonment. 28 We could have easily done as submitted by Mr Raval, but in the facts and