20/02/2026
The Interim Government of Bangladesh has recently approved the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, bringing significant reforms to the long-standing Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, particularly concerning cheque dishonour cases under Section 138.
The amendment aims to speed up disposal of cases by expanding jurisdiction to Metropolitan Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates (First Class), while higher value cases (amount exceeding five lac) shall be tried by Sessions Courts, thereby reducing backlog.