S.138 NI Act | Director Cannot Be Prosecuted For Cheque Dishonour Without Arraying Company As Accused: Kerala High Court Reiterates
2 years, 4 months ago

S.138 NI Act | Director Cannot Be Prosecuted For Cheque Dishonour Without Arraying Company As Accused: Kerala High Court Reiterates

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court has reiterated that when a cheque issued by a company is dishonored, prosecution under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act against its Director shall not sustain if the company is not arrayed as an accused. Justice A. Badharudeen relying on the law laid down by the Apex Court, observed that prosecution against the director of the company merely for the reason that the director had signed the cheque shall not sustain if the company is not arraigned as an accused in the case. The Counsel appearing for the Revision Petitioners, Advocate Noble Mathew, placed reliance on the Apex Court decision in Himanshu v. B. Shivamurthy and another, in which it was held that in the absence of the company being arraigned as an accused, a complaint against the director is not maintainable, merely for the reason that the Director of the Company had signed the cheque for and on behalf of the company. Pointing out the fact that in the present case, the cheque was issued for and on behalf of a company and the company was not arraigned as an accused, the Court observed that as per the law laid down by the Apex Court, the entire prosecution is vitiated and finding of conviction and sentence is liable to be set aside.

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History of this topic

S. 141 NI Act | Non-Executive & Independent Company Directors Not Liable For Cheque's Dishonour Unless Their Direct Involvement Shown : Supreme Court
2 weeks ago

S. 141 NI Act | Non-Executive & Independent Company Directors Not Liable For Cheque's Dishonour Unless Their Direct Involvement Shown : Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court reiterated that non-executive and independent directors of a company cannot be held vicariously liable for the company's obligations under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, unless their direct involvement in the company's financial transactions is established. The Court held that merely holding the position of the non-executive and independent director of the company would not make them liable …

Moratorium During Insolvency Process Does Not Bar Cheque Dishonour Proceedings Against Persons Referred U/S 141 Of NI Act: Kerala High Court
1 month ago

Moratorium During Insolvency Process Does Not Bar Cheque Dishonour Proceedings Against Persons Referred U/S 141 Of NI Act: Kerala High Court

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court yesterday, observed that during the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, initiation of cheque dishonour proceedings, due to the moratorium, is prohibited only against the corporate debtor and not against the persons referred under Section 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. “ When the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of the company is underway, the corporate debtor would be …

Criminal Liability For Cheque Dishonour Primarily On Drawer Company, Officers Are Held Liable Only If Section 141 Is Satisfied: Gujarat HC
1 month, 1 week ago

Criminal Liability For Cheque Dishonour Primarily On Drawer Company, Officers Are Held Liable Only If Section 141 Is Satisfied: Gujarat HC

Live Law  

Referring to various case laws on this aspect Justice Divyesh A. Joshi in his order said, “It is found out from the materials available on record that the applicant accused no.3 is not the signatory of the cheque and she has tendered her resignation way-back in the year 2013. As per the above-stated case laws, the liability under Section 141 …

S.141 NI Act | 'Director Who's In Charge Of Company' & 'Director Who's Responsible To Company' Are Different Aspects: Supreme Court
1 month, 1 week ago

S.141 NI Act | 'Director Who's In Charge Of Company' & 'Director Who's Responsible To Company' Are Different Aspects: Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court recently observed that there are twin requirements for an offence to fall under Section 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which talks about the dishonour of a cheque committed by a company. Elucidating, the Court said that the accused person should be in charge of and responsible to the company for the conduct of the business. The …

Section 138 NI Act | Mumbai Court Convicts Pharma Company In Cheque Dishonour Case, Imposes Fine Of ₹1.83 Crore
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Section 138 NI Act | Mumbai Court Convicts Pharma Company In Cheque Dishonour Case, Imposes Fine Of ₹1.83 Crore

Live Law  

A Magistrate Court in Mumbai has recently convicted Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for the offence of dishonour of a cheque under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, imposing a cost of Rs. 1 had issued cheque to the complainant for discharge of legal liability and it was presented by complainant to bank and even after statutory demand notice accused failed …

Section 138 NI Act | Mumbai Court Convicts Pharma Company In Cheque Dishonour Case, Imposes Fine Of ₹1.83 Crore
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Section 138 NI Act | Mumbai Court Convicts Pharma Company In Cheque Dishonour Case, Imposes Fine Of ₹1.83 Crore

Live Law  

A Magistrate Court in Mumbai has recently convicted Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for the offence of dishonour of a cheque under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, imposing a cost of Rs. 1 had issued cheque to the complainant for discharge of legal liability and it was presented by complainant to bank and even after statutory demand notice accused failed …

Accused In Cheque Bounce Cases Should Not Be Equated With Those Convicted Under Other Penal Statutes: Karnataka High Court
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Accused In Cheque Bounce Cases Should Not Be Equated With Those Convicted Under Other Penal Statutes: Karnataka High Court

Live Law  

the Courts while exercising its discretion at the time of passing the appropriate sentence in a given case, is entitled to use its discretionary power in awarding imprisonment or fine or with both. The Karnataka High Court recently observed that an accused who has suffered an order of conviction in a prosecution under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act …

Section 138 Of NI Act Warrants Strict Construction, Compliance With Proviso Clauses Is A Precondition Before Prosecution: J&K High Court
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Section 138 Of NI Act Warrants Strict Construction, Compliance With Proviso Clauses Is A Precondition Before Prosecution: J&K High Court

Live Law  

Quashing multiple complaints filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 citing failure to adhere to mandatory conditions laid down in the Act the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has ruled that Section 138 of the Act being penal in nature, indisputably, warrants strict construction, hence making compliance with its proviso clauses,, and essential before initiating …

S.142 NI Act | Improper To Dismiss/Quash Cheque Dishonour Complaint Of Company At Threshold On Question Of Authorisation : Supreme Court
2 months, 2 weeks ago

S.142 NI Act | Improper To Dismiss/Quash Cheque Dishonour Complaint Of Company At Threshold On Question Of Authorisation : Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court today, reiterated that in the dishonour of cheque cases, where complainant is a company, it is necessary to show during the trial that the complaint, if not filed by the payee, is filed by someone having knowledge of complainant's contents. "When the company is the payee of the cheque based on which a complaint is filed under …

S. 138 NI Act | Complainant Can't Be Left Remediless Merely Because He Filed 'Premature' Complaint For Cheque Dishonour: Rajasthan HC
2 months, 2 weeks ago

S. 138 NI Act | Complainant Can't Be Left Remediless Merely Because He Filed 'Premature' Complaint For Cheque Dishonour: Rajasthan HC

Live Law  

“ From the aforesaid law laid down by the Apex Court in the case of Yogendra Pratap Singh and Gajanand Burange, it is apparent that in a case where the complaint was filed before the expiry of a period of fifteen days stipulated in the notice which is required to be served upon the drawer of the cheque, the Court …

S.138 NI Act | Director Who Signed Cheque Not Liable For Dishonour When Company Hasn't Been Added As Accused : Supreme Court
2 months, 3 weeks ago

S.138 NI Act | Director Who Signed Cheque Not Liable For Dishonour When Company Hasn't Been Added As Accused : Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court reiterated that the authorised signatory of a company cannot be held liable under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 for dishonour of a cheque drawn on the company's account unless the company is arraigned as the principal accused. The Sessions Court upheld the conviction, but the Calcutta High Court reversed it, ruling that the cheque …

Cognizance Of Cheque Dishonour U/S 138 NI Act Can Be Taken Only Upon A Written Complaint: Jharkhand High Court Reiterates
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Cognizance Of Cheque Dishonour U/S 138 NI Act Can Be Taken Only Upon A Written Complaint: Jharkhand High Court Reiterates

Live Law  

While hearing a cheque bouncing case, the Jharkhand High Court has reaffirmed that cognizance of offences under Section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act does not require a report to the police nor empowers the court to direct the police to investigate the complaint. The court further clarified that under Section 142 of the NI Act the cognizance of an …

[S.138 NI Act] Not Making Company Separate Accused In Cheque Bouncing Complaint Isn't Fatal To Prosecution Case: Jharkhand HC
4 months, 1 week ago

[S.138 NI Act] Not Making Company Separate Accused In Cheque Bouncing Complaint Isn't Fatal To Prosecution Case: Jharkhand HC

Live Law  

A single judge bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, presiding over the case, remarked, “ From perusal of the complaint petition, the Court finds that although the company has not been made accused separately, but complainant has made the Director as accused who has signed the cheque as an accused and mentioned the company name i.e. The Court noted that …

Complainant's Burden Shifting Under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act: High Court Observation
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Complainant's Burden Shifting Under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act: High Court Observation

Live Law  

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has observed that once the complainant proves that a cheque was issued by the accused to discharge a debt, Section 139 mandates that the burden of proof shifts to the accused. The court dismissed an appeal filed by one Choudhary Piara Singh against an acquittal order issued by the Trial Court in …

HC Can't Quash Cheque Dishonour Complaint Invoking S.482 CrPC When Complainant Hasn't Consented For Compounding: Supreme Court
6 months, 3 weeks ago

HC Can't Quash Cheque Dishonour Complaint Invoking S.482 CrPC When Complainant Hasn't Consented For Compounding: Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court reiterated that dishonour of cheque cases can be compounded under Section 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act only with the consent of a complainant. In the present case, the High Court had compounded the offence, even though the appellants/ complainant had not consented, by invoking its inherent power under Section 482 Cr.P.C. Act, in the absence of …

Negotiable Instruments Act | Court Can Compound Offences U/S 147 Even After Conviction: Himachal Pradesh High Court
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Negotiable Instruments Act | Court Can Compound Offences U/S 147 Even After Conviction: Himachal Pradesh High Court

Live Law  

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled that under Section 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, offences can be compounded even after the recording of a conviction by the court. Justice Sandeep Sharma delivered this judgment while hearing a petition under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, read with Section 147 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. …

[Cheque Dishonour] Accused Often Get Away Due To Lack Of Evidence, Courts Must Acknowledge Friendly Cash Loans Between Parties: Delhi HC
6 months, 3 weeks ago

[Cheque Dishonour] Accused Often Get Away Due To Lack Of Evidence, Courts Must Acknowledge Friendly Cash Loans Between Parties: Delhi HC

Live Law  

While hearing a matter on cheque bounce under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the Delhi High Court recently said that it would be prudent for courts to acknowledge that friendly cash loans are provided between parties without an existing document trail, with accused often getting acquitted because the complainant is unable to prove the existence of a debt. A single judge …

S.138 NI Act - Cheque Dishonour Complaint Can't Be Transferred At The Instance Of Accused : Supreme Court
8 months, 3 weeks ago

S.138 NI Act - Cheque Dishonour Complaint Can't Be Transferred At The Instance Of Accused : Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court today observed that transfer of a case for the offence of dishonour of cheque under S. 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 cannot be sought at the instance of the accused.The vacation bench of Justices AS Oka and Rajesh Bindal dismissed a transfer petition sought at the behest of the accused involved in the offence under …

Cheques Dishonored With Endorsements 'Insufficient Fund', 'Account Closed', 'Signature Mismatch' Attract S. 138 NI Act: Allahabad HC
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Cheques Dishonored With Endorsements 'Insufficient Fund', 'Account Closed', 'Signature Mismatch' Attract S. 138 NI Act: Allahabad HC

Live Law  

The Allahabad High Court has observed that if the cheque is dishonoured and returned with the endorsements - case referred to drawer, instruction for stoppage of payment, exceeds arrangement, insufficient fund, signature differed or mismatch or account closed - then it will be sufficient for prima facie case for issuing process under Section 138 NI Act. A bench of Justice …

[Cheque Dishonour] Complainant Failed To Prove Cheque Was Issued Against Legally Enforceable Debt: Kerala High Court Acquits Accused
1 year ago

[Cheque Dishonour] Complainant Failed To Prove Cheque Was Issued Against Legally Enforceable Debt: Kerala High Court Acquits Accused

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court has held that a complainant under the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot rely on the presumption that the holder of a negotiable instrument has paid consideration for it when his claim is inconsistent.It upheld the acquittal of the accused upon noting that the complainant in the present case had failed to prove that the cheque had been …

[S.138 NI Act] Must Examine Those With Direct Knowledge Of Transaction To Prove Allegations Of Cheque Dishonour: Kerala High Court Sets Aside Conviction
1 year, 1 month ago

[S.138 NI Act] Must Examine Those With Direct Knowledge Of Transaction To Prove Allegations Of Cheque Dishonour: Kerala High Court Sets Aside Conviction

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court has stated that the prosecution has to examine a witness who had direct knowledge regarding the transaction, issuance and execution of the cheque to prove dishonour of the cheque. Justice A. Badharudeen observed that the examination of a witness who had no direct knowledge regarding the transaction or issuance of the cheque would be insufficient to …

S.138 NI Act | Single Complaint For Dishonour Of Multiple Cheques Issued Qua Same Transaction Maintainable: Karnataka High Court
1 year, 1 month ago

S.138 NI Act | Single Complaint For Dishonour Of Multiple Cheques Issued Qua Same Transaction Maintainable: Karnataka High Court

Live Law  

The Karnataka High Court has held that a single complaint made under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, is maintainable for multiple cheques issued by the respondent/accused on the same cause of action. A single judge bench of Justice K Natarajan allowed the petition filed by complainant A Adinarayana Reddy and set aside the order dismissing the complaint filed …

High Court Under S. 482 CrPC Should Not Decide Whether Debt In Cheque Dishonour Case Is Time-Barred: Supreme Court
1 year, 1 month ago

High Court Under S. 482 CrPC Should Not Decide Whether Debt In Cheque Dishonour Case Is Time-Barred: Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court recently reiterated that in proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the question of whether the underlying debt is time-barred is based on the evidence. “Undoubtedly, the question regarding the time-barred nature of an underlying debt or liability in proceedings under Section 138 of the NI Act is a mixed question of law and …

Cheque Dishonour | Onus On Accused To Prove Cheque Issued Towards Repayment Of Loan Was Misused By Complainant: Karnataka High Court
1 year, 3 months ago

Cheque Dishonour | Onus On Accused To Prove Cheque Issued Towards Repayment Of Loan Was Misused By Complainant: Karnataka High Court

Live Law  

The Karnataka High Court has held that in a cheque bounce case, the onus is on the accused to prove that the cheque was misused after it was issued to another person in lieu of a loan borrowed from them and thus did not amount to a legally enforceable debt. The primary contention of the accused was that the complainant …

S.274 Companies Act | NCLT Can Only Direct Company & Not It's Shareholders To File Written Statement & Objections During Winding Up: Kerala HC
1 year, 3 months ago

S.274 Companies Act | NCLT Can Only Direct Company & Not It's Shareholders To File Written Statement & Objections During Winding Up: Kerala HC

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court recently laid down that the National Company Law Tribunal can only direct the Company to file its objections along with the statement of affairs when a petition for winding up of the Company before the Tribunal had been filed by any person other than the Company itself. Justice C. Jayachandran, passed the order on perusing Section …

S.138 NI Act | Availability Of Funds In Other Bank Accounts Not A Defence; Cheque Dishonour Relates To Specific Account: Supreme Court
1 year, 3 months ago

S.138 NI Act | Availability Of Funds In Other Bank Accounts Not A Defence; Cheque Dishonour Relates To Specific Account: Supreme Court

Live Law  

Recently, the Supreme Court categorically held that in proceedings initiated for bounced cheques, the defence that there are sufficient funds in the other bank accounts cannot be appreciated.“In a proceeding under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, the accused cannot rely upon other bank accounts for. Recently, the Supreme Court categorically held that in proceedings initiated for bounced cheques, …

Cheque Dishonour | Wife Not Signatory, Cannot Be Held Liable For Cheque Signed & Given By Husband From Joint Account: Bombay High Court
1 year, 3 months ago

Cheque Dishonour | Wife Not Signatory, Cannot Be Held Liable For Cheque Signed & Given By Husband From Joint Account: Bombay High Court

Live Law  

The Bombay High Court recently quashed and set aside process and summons issued to a woman by the Magistrate's court in a cheque bounce case, noting that only her husband was a signatory to the cheque. The woman approached the High Court after the Magistrate issued process against her and her husband on November 27, 2019 u/s 138 of the …

[Cheque Dishonour] Accused Must Take 'Probable Defence' To Rebut Adverse Presumption U/S 139 NI Act: Karnataka High Court Reiterates
1 year, 3 months ago

[Cheque Dishonour] Accused Must Take 'Probable Defence' To Rebut Adverse Presumption U/S 139 NI Act: Karnataka High Court Reiterates

Live Law  

The Karnataka High Court has reiterated that to rebut the presumption under Section 139 Negotiable Instruments Act that cheque has been issued in discharge of a debt or liability, the accused must raise 'probable defence'. Faced with accused's mere denial regarding the existence of debt, Justice S Rachaiah remarked, “If the defence taken by the accused is not acceptable obviously …

Cheque Dishonour Cases - What Should Courts Ask Accused Once Presumption Under S.139 NI Act Is Applicable? Supreme Court Explains
1 year, 5 months ago

Cheque Dishonour Cases - What Should Courts Ask Accused Once Presumption Under S.139 NI Act Is Applicable? Supreme Court Explains

Live Law  

Reiterating the principles relating to the presumption under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, the Supreme Court reversed the acquittal of an accused in a case for cheque dishonour.A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and SVN Bhatti observed that there was a "fundamental flaw" in the approach taken by both the Trial Court and the High Court.Summarising the …

S.142 NI Act | Third Party Cannot Prosecute Drawer For Dishonour Of Cheque: Kerala High Court
1 year, 6 months ago

S.142 NI Act | Third Party Cannot Prosecute Drawer For Dishonour Of Cheque: Kerala High Court

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court recently laid down that a third party cannot prosecute the drawer of cheque for the offence punishable under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Perusing Section 142 of the Act which provides that no court shall take cognizance of. Perusing Section 142 of the Act which provides that no court shall take cognizance of …

[S.147 Negotiable Instruments Act] Offence Can Be Compounded Post-Conviction For Cheque Dishonour: Himachal Pradesh High Court
2 years ago

[S.147 Negotiable Instruments Act] Offence Can Be Compounded Post-Conviction For Cheque Dishonour: Himachal Pradesh High Court

Live Law  

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday observed that courts while exercising power under Section 147 of the Negotiable Instrument Act are sufficiently empowered to proceed to compound an offence, even in cases where accused stands convicted. The moot question that fell for adjudication was as to whether after upholding the judgments of conviction and order of sentence passed by …

Supreme Court Annual Digest 2022- Negotiable Instruments Act
2 years, 1 month ago

Supreme Court Annual Digest 2022- Negotiable Instruments Act

Live Law  

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 Section 3 - Banker Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 3 - ‘Banker’ includes any person acting as a banker and any post office savings bank. Pradeep Kumar v. Post Master General, 2022 LiveLaw 139 : 6 SCC 351 Section 13 - “Negotiable instrument” Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 - Section 13 - Different principles apply for …

Merely Being Signatory To A Cheque Does Not Make A Person Guilty Of Offence Under Section 138 NI Act: Delhi High Court
2 years, 2 months ago

Merely Being Signatory To A Cheque Does Not Make A Person Guilty Of Offence Under Section 138 NI Act: Delhi High Court

Live Law  

The Delhi High Court has said that prima facie, merely being a signatory to a cheque does not, in itself, make a person guilty of the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.Observing that the offence is triggered at the stage when a cheque is returned unpaid by the bank for insufficiency of funds, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani …

Cheque Dishonour- Additional Accused Cannot Be Impleaded After Expiry Of Limitation Period Under Sec 142 NI Act : Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

Cheque Dishonour- Additional Accused Cannot Be Impleaded After Expiry Of Limitation Period Under Sec 142 NI Act : Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court held that impleadment of additional accused subsequent to the filing of a cheque bounce complaint is not permissible once the limitation prescribed for taking cognizance of the offence under Section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act has expired.In this case, the High Court quashed a summoning order passed by a Magistrate in a cheque bounce complaint on …

NI Act | Complainant Can't Seek To Prosecute Company's Former Directors For Cheque Issued To Repay Amount Invested When They Held Office: Karnataka HC
2 years, 4 months ago

NI Act | Complainant Can't Seek To Prosecute Company's Former Directors For Cheque Issued To Repay Amount Invested When They Held Office: Karnataka HC

Live Law  

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the proceedings initiated against two former directors of a company under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act by the complainant claiming that when he invested the money in the company they were directors. A private complaint was filed under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for the offence punishable under …

Wife Cannot Be Made Accused in NI Act Case For Cheque Issued By Her Husband: Karnataka High Court
2 years, 4 months ago

Wife Cannot Be Made Accused in NI Act Case For Cheque Issued By Her Husband: Karnataka High Court

Live Law  

The Karnataka High Court has said proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot be initiated against the wife for "dishonor of the cheque issued by her husband". A single judge bench of Justice M I Arun while allowing the petition filed by petitioner Veenashri and quashing the proceedings against her, said, "Petitioner cannot be made accused for …

Cheque Dishonour Case Convict Agrees To Pay After 10 Yrs Litigation; Supreme Court Imposes Rs 5 Lakh Cost For Wasting Judicial Time
2 years, 4 months ago

Cheque Dishonour Case Convict Agrees To Pay After 10 Yrs Litigation; Supreme Court Imposes Rs 5 Lakh Cost For Wasting Judicial Time

Live Law  

A party faced the ire of the Supreme Court for taking a cheque dishonour dispute to the level of apex level before agreeing to settle the matter with the complainant. The appellant had approached the Supreme Court challenging the concurrent orders of conviction passed by three courts against him for the offence of cheque dishonour under Section 138 of the …

No Offence Under Section 138 NI Act If Cheque Is Presented For Full Amount Without Endorsing Part Payment Made By Borrower : Supreme Court
2 years, 5 months ago

No Offence Under Section 138 NI Act If Cheque Is Presented For Full Amount Without Endorsing Part Payment Made By Borrower : Supreme Court

Live Law  

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court on Tuesday held that no offence for dishonour of cheque under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is made out if the cheque is presented for the full amount without endorsing the part-payment made by the borrower after the issuance of the cheque.The Court held that the sum reflected on the cheque …

Cheque Case Against Director/Partner Of Firm Can Be Quashed Only If There Is Unimpeachable & Incontrovertible Evidence That They Were Not Concerned With Issuance Of Cheque: Supreme Court
2 years, 6 months ago

Cheque Case Against Director/Partner Of Firm Can Be Quashed Only If There Is Unimpeachable & Incontrovertible Evidence That They Were Not Concerned With Issuance Of Cheque: Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court observed that a High Court can quash a cheque case only if it comes across some unimpeachable and incontrovertible evidence to indicate that the Director/partner of a firm could not have been concerned with the issuance of cheques. In this case, the High Court quashed a cheque case against the accused on the ground that there was …

S.141 NI Act | Sole Proprietor Alone Can't Be Sued For Offence U/S 138, Sole Proprietary Concern Must Also Be Arrayed As Accused: P&H High Court
2 years, 6 months ago

S.141 NI Act | Sole Proprietor Alone Can't Be Sued For Offence U/S 138, Sole Proprietary Concern Must Also Be Arrayed As Accused: P&H High Court

Live Law  

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently held that when a cheque issued by a sole proprietary entity is dishonoured, it is necessary to array the proprietary concern as an accused, along with the sole proprietor. It observed, When the statutory signification assigned to a 'Company', does visibly cover not only any corporate body, but also covers a firm, or …

Supreme Court Half Yearly Digest 2022 (Jan - Jun) Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
2 years, 6 months ago

Supreme Court Half Yearly Digest 2022 (Jan - Jun) Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Live Law  

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; Section 482 - Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; Section 138,139 - The Court should be slow to grant the relief of quashing a complaint at a pre-trial stage, when the factual controversy is in the realm of possibility particularly because of the legal presumption - In a situation where the accused moves Court for quashing even …

Cheques Dishonored Due To Stop Payment, Account Closed & Signature Mismatch, All Fall Within Ambit Of S.138 NI Act: J&K&L High Court
2 years, 6 months ago

Cheques Dishonored Due To Stop Payment, Account Closed & Signature Mismatch, All Fall Within Ambit Of S.138 NI Act: J&K&L High Court

Live Law  

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court recently reiterated that the provisions contained in Section 138 of the NI Act must be interpreted in a liberal manner so as to achieve the object for which the said provision has been enacted. Not only the cases of dishonour of cheques on account of insufficiency of funds or on account of …

Failure To Raise 'Probable Defence' Or Deny Issuance Of Cheque & Signature Thereupon Strengthens Presumption U/S 139 NI Act: Himachal Pradesh HC
2 years, 7 months ago

Failure To Raise 'Probable Defence' Or Deny Issuance Of Cheque & Signature Thereupon Strengthens Presumption U/S 139 NI Act: Himachal Pradesh HC

Live Law  

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has observed that if the drawer of a cheque fails to raise a "probable defence" or to contest the existence of a legally enforceable debt or to deny the issuance of the cheque and signatures thereupon, the statutory presumption in favour of cheque holder under Section 139 of Negotiable Instruments Act comes into play. "Interestingly, …

Dishonour Of Cheque | S.27 General Clauses Act Presumes Service Of Statutory Notice In Favour Of Complainant: Punjab & Haryana High Court
2 years, 7 months ago

Dishonour Of Cheque | S.27 General Clauses Act Presumes Service Of Statutory Notice In Favour Of Complainant: Punjab & Haryana High Court

Live Law  

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently held that the service of notice upon the accused in cheque dishonour case cannot be denied in light of Section 27 of the General Clauses Act, which provides a presumption in favour of the complainant that the notice had been delivered.The bench comprising Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi was dealing with a revision petition …

S.138 NI Act | Non-Executive Directors Not Liable For Company's Actions/ Omissions Unless Involved In Day-To-Day Affairs: Bombay High Court
2 years, 8 months ago

S.138 NI Act | Non-Executive Directors Not Liable For Company's Actions/ Omissions Unless Involved In Day-To-Day Affairs: Bombay High Court

Live Law  

The Bombay High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against independent non-executive directors of Tecpro Systems Ltd while stating that they were not responsible for day-to-day functioning of the company. Elektromag Devices Private Ltd. Elektromag had filed a complaint under Section 138 of NI Act against Tecpro Systems, a material handling company, alleging that the cheque worth almost Rs. The court …

Undisputed Signatures On The Cheque In Itself Are Not Sufficient For Conviction Under Section 138 Of NI Act: Punjab And Haryana High Court
2 years, 9 months ago

Undisputed Signatures On The Cheque In Itself Are Not Sufficient For Conviction Under Section 138 Of NI Act: Punjab And Haryana High Court

Live Law  

Punjab and Haryana High Court while dealing with an application under Section 378 Cr.P.C. for grant of leave to appeal against the judgment acquitting respondent in Complaint Case of 2012, held that undisputed signatures of the respondent on the cheque in itself are not sufficient for conviction under Section 138 of the Act. The trial court acquitted the respondent by …

Joint Account Holder Who Is Not A Signatory To Cheque Shall Not Be Prosecuted Under Section 138 Of NI Act: Telangana High Court
3 years, 2 months ago

Joint Account Holder Who Is Not A Signatory To Cheque Shall Not Be Prosecuted Under Section 138 Of NI Act: Telangana High Court

Live Law  

In a case pertaining to dishonor of cheque, the Telangana High Court recently ruled that a joint account holder who is not a signatory to the disputed cheque shall not be prosecuted under Section 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act, 1981. Relying on the Supreme Court ruling in Alka Khandu Avhad vs. Amar Syamprasad Mishra, Justice Shameem Akhtar held that a …

2021 Supreme Court Digest On Negotiable Instruments Act
3 years, 2 months ago

2021 Supreme Court Digest On Negotiable Instruments Act

Live Law  

Moratorium Under Section 14 IBC Covers Section 138 NI Act Proceedings Against Corporate Debtor For Cheque DishonourIn P Mohanraj and others v M/s Shah Brothers Ispat Ltd, the Supreme Court held that the declaration of moratorium under Section 14 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code covers criminal proceedings for dishonour of cheque under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments. Moratorium …

Sec 138 NI Act- Absence Of Salutation In Cheque Irrelevant; Not Ground For Acquittal: Kerala High Court
3 years, 5 months ago

Sec 138 NI Act- Absence Of Salutation In Cheque Irrelevant; Not Ground For Acquittal: Kerala High Court

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court recently ruled that the absence of salutation while drawing the cheque by the accused cannot be a ground for the accused to be acquitted in proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.Justice Gopinath P while allowing an appeal, observed: "The alphabets 'M/s' which is short form for 'Messrs' is normally a salutation intended to …

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