12/12/2024
The procedure and time periods involved in cheque bounce cases:
1. Issuance of Cheque
Action: The drawer (person issuing the cheque) issues a cheque to the payee (person receiving the cheque) for payment.
Time Period: The cheque is valid for 3 months from the date mentioned on it (as per RBI guidelines).
Legal Relevance: If the cheque is presented beyond this period, it becomes "stale" and cannot be legally enforced under Section 138.
2. Presentation of Cheque
Action: The payee presents the cheque for payment at the bank.
Time Period: The cheque must be presented within 3 months from the date mentioned on the cheque.
Legal Relevance: If the cheque is not presented within this time, no complaint under Section 138 can be filed.
3. Dishonour of Cheque (Cheque Bounce)
Action: If the cheque is dishonoured (for reasons like "insufficient funds" or "account closed"), the bank issues a Cheque Return Memo to the payee stating the reason for dishonour.
Legal Relevance: The dishonour is the event that triggers the right of the payee to issue a notice to the drawer demanding payment.
4. Demand Notice to Drawer (Section 138 Notice)
Action: The payee (holder of the cheque) sends a demand notice to the drawer, demanding payment of the amount mentioned in the cheque.
Time Period: The demand notice must be sent within 30 days from the date of receipt of the Cheque Return Memo from the bank (as per Section 138(b) NI Act).
Legal Relevance: If the notice is not sent within this 30-day window, the complaint under Section 138 becomes invalid.
5. Time for Payment by Drawer
Action: The drawer (issuer of the cheque) has an opportunity to make payment of the dishonoured cheque amount.
Time Period: The drawer has 15 days from the date of receipt of the demand notice to make the payment (as per Section 138(c) NI Act).
Legal Relevance: If the drawer pays the cheque amount within these 15 days, no legal action can be initiated under Section 138. If payment is not made, the right to file a complaint arises.
6. Filing of Complaint in Court
Action: If the drawer fails to pay the amount within 15 days, the payee can file a criminal complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Time Period: The complaint must be filed within 30 days from the expiry of the 15-day payment period (as per Section 142(b) NI Act).
Example:
Date of Cheque Return Memo: 1st March 2024
Last date to send Demand Notice: 31st March 2024
Last date for drawer to make payment: 15 days from notice receipt (Assuming notice is received on 5th April, then payment is due by 20th April).
Last date to file a complaint: 30 days from 21st April (i.e., 21st May 2024).