Section 138, NI Act, 1881
Makes cheque dishonour a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years and/or a fine up to twice the cheque amount.
A bounced cheque is a criminal offence.Know how to recover your money.
A focused legal session that guides you through the mandatory legal steps under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act — from the demand notice to filing a criminal complaint — with precision and urgency.
Section 138 NI ActDemand NoticeCriminal ComplaintCheque Recovery
₹99–₹299
Per Session
30 Days
Critical Notice Deadline
2×
Max Compensation Possible
What we handle for you
Our advocates explain the mandatory legal process, ensure every deadline is met, and guide you from the demand notice to criminal complaint filing.
Section 138 Process Explained
We explain the complete legal process under Section 138 NI Act — including the 30-day notice deadline, 15-day payment window, and complaint filing timeline.
Demand Notice Strategy
Get guidance on the exact content, mode of dispatch, and timing of the demand notice to preserve your legal rights.
Criminal Complaint Roadmap
Understand how to file a complaint before the Magistrate within the prescribed timeframe if the cheque issuer fails to respond.
Multiple Cheque Handling
Assist if multiple cheques from the same party have bounced — coordinated legal action for all dishonoured instruments.
The 5-Step Consultation Process
A time-critical consultation covering every mandatory step in the cheque bounce legal process.
01
Book Your Session
Schedule a Cheque Bounce Consultation. Time is critical — the legal notice must be sent within 30 days of receiving the bank's dishonour memo.
02
Share the Facts
Provide the cheque details, dishonour date, bank memo, and any prior communication with the issuer.
03
Lawyer Reviews Your Case
The lawyer confirms that all legal pre-conditions are met and advises on the strength of your case.
04
Legal Notice Strategy
Get guidance on the exact content, mode of dispatch, and timing of the demand notice to preserve your legal rights.
05
Criminal Complaint Roadmap
If the cheque issuer fails to respond, understand how to file a complaint before the Magistrate within the prescribed timeframe.
Legal Framework
Cheque dishonour is a criminal offence in India with strict timelines and powerful remedies for the payee.
Section 139, NI Act
Raises a presumption that the cheque was issued for a lawful debt or liability — shifting the burden to the accused.
Section 142, NI Act
Prescribes the mandatory pre-conditions for filing the complaint, including the demand notice requirement.
Section 143A & 148, NI Act
Allows courts to direct the accused to pay interim compensation during trial proceedings.
Client Success Stories
“A client bounced a cheque for Rs 4 lakh. I didn't know I had to send a notice within 30 days. The consultation saved my case — I sent the notice in time and recovered the full amount.”
GS
Girish S.
Cheque Bounce Recovery“Three cheques from the same party bounced. The lawyer explained how to handle all three together and what interim compensation I could demand during trial. Very thorough guidance.”
MP
Meena P.
Multiple Cheque BouncesFrequently Asked Questions
On receiving the bank's dishonour memo, you must send a written demand notice within 30 days. The cheque issuer has 15 days to make payment. If no payment is made, you must file the criminal complaint within 30 days of the expiry of this 15-day period.
Post-dated cheques are equally covered under Section 138. The dishonour date is the date the cheque was presented and returned, and the same timelines apply from that date.
Yes. Courts can award compensation up to twice the cheque amount. You may also claim litigation costs. The court may order interim compensation of up to 20% of the cheque amount during the trial.
Under Section 139, the law presumes the cheque was for a legal debt. The accused bears the burden of proving it was not. A properly documented loan or transaction significantly strengthens your case.