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Criminal LawLegal Dictionary

Section 138 NI Act

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 — Section 138

Definition

The provision under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 that criminalises dishonour of a cheque for insufficiency of funds or if the amount exceeds the arrangement. Punishment: imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine up to twice the cheque amount, or both. Jurisdiction: the payee's bank branch location. Complaint must be filed within 30 days of receiving a notice of dishonour, after a 15-day demand notice to the drawer.

Related Terms
Compoundable Offence
An offence that can be settled between the accused and the victim/complainant, with court permission
Cheque BounceNI ActNegotiable Instrument
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Need Expert Advice on Section 138 NI Act?

For specific advice on how Section 138 NI Act applies to your debt recovery matter, consult Advocate Subodh Bajpai — LLM, MBA (XLRI Jamshedpur). 25+ years of exclusive banking and debt recovery practice across DRT, SARFAESI, IBC, and NI Act.

Defined by Advocate Subodh Bajpai, Senior Partner, Unified Chambers and Associates

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