What is a Cheque Bounce Case? Understand Section 138 of NIA

A cheque bounce (also known as dishonour of cheque) occurs when a bank refuses to honor a cheque due to

  • Insufficient funds
  • Signature mismatch,
  • Account closure,
  • or technical errors like overwriting.

The penalties are severe, including imprisonment up to 2 years, fine up to twice the cheque amount, and compensation to the payee. 

Why you need a Cheque Bounce Lawyer

Filing a cheque bounce case under Section 138 has strict deadlines. Even small mistakes can hurt your chances of recovery. That's why you need experienced cheque bounce lawyers who act fast. Whether your cheque was dishonored or you're facing a complaint, we help you take the right legal steps quickly.

Our team knows the Negotiable Instruments Act inside out. We'll help you recover your money through the proper legal process without delays.

Top Cheque Bounce Lawyer in Mohali, Chandigarh & Panchkula

Dealing with a bounced cheque? You need a local lawyer who knows the courts in your area.

At Metis Law Chamber, we handle cheque bounce cases across Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula. Our lawyers appear regularly in local Courts and are well versed with court procedure and local practices.

We Can help you with:

  • Filing legal notices and complaints under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act
  • Defending against cheque bounce accusations
  • Court representation and timely appearances
  • Settlement negotiations

Whether you need to recover your money or defend yourself in a cheque dishonour case, we provide clear legal advice and strong court representation.

Areas We Serve: Mohali, Kharar, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Kullu, Zirakpur, Derabassi, and surrounding areas.

Consequences of a Cheque Bounce Case for Complainant & Accused

Person Who Wrote the Cheque (Accused)Person Who Received the Cheque (Complainant)
Can go to jail for up to 2 yearsLoses money temporarily till money is recovered
Must pay a fine up to double the cheque amountHave to spend time and effort on legal recovery
Gets a criminal recordCan recover the full amount plus compensation

Checklist : Things must do Immediately After a Cheque Bounces

Time is critical in cheque bounce cases. Whether you need to recover money or defend yourself, you must act quickly.

  └─ For the Payee (Complainant)

If you have received a cheque from someone and it has bounced for any reason then you must follow the below steps:

  1. Send a Legal Demand Notice: You must engage an advocate to send a legal notice demanding the payment for the amount mentioned on the cheque within the period of 15 days.
  2. File a Complaint: If the payment is not made within 15 days of sending the legal notice then you have 30 days to file a criminal complaint under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act.

  └─ For the Drawer (Accused)

If a cheque you issued has bounced, don't panic. But avoid these common mistakes that can make things worse:

  1. Ignoring the legal notice – You have only 15 days to respond. Missing this deadline weakens your defense.
  2. Not replying in writing – Always send a proper written reply. Verbal promises don't count in court.
  3. Admitting liability immediately – Don't accept fault without understanding your legal position first.
  4. Handling it without a lawyer – Cheque bounce cases are technical. A small mistake can lead to penalties or jail time.
  5. Not keeping proof – Save all documents: the cheque, notice, bank statements, and any communication.

Timeline for Filing Cheque Bounce Case

1

Cheque Presented and Bounced

Your Bank will issue you a Memo of dishonour stating the reason why the cheque has been bounced.

2

Send Legal cum Demand Notice

You must send a legal cum demand notice within the period of 30 days after the cheque has bounced through your Advocate demanding the money to be paid within 15 days.

3

Wait for 15 Days Response Time

The Drawer need to make you payment within the period of 15 days after receiving the Legal Notice. Failing to which, the cause of action will arise and you are entitled to file a cheque bounce complaint against him.

4

File Criminal Complaint

If no payment is made within 15 days of sending the legal notice, you must file a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act within 30 days.

Why Choose Metis Law Chamber for Cheque Bounce Case

✅ Proven expertise in handling Section 138 cases

Metis Law Chamber have experienced lawyers in handling complex cheque bounce cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act with deep knowledge of legal procedures.

✅ High success rate in recovering dues for clients

We have a track record of successfully recovering money for clients and achieving favorable result in cheque dishonour litigation.

✅ End-to-end legal support from Notice to Trial

We provide End-to-end assistance from drafting legal notices to court representation, ensuring efficient representation throughout the process till your money is recovered.

✅ Transparent communication and regular case updates

We provide regular updates and progress reports so you stay informed about your case at every stage.

✅ Tailored strategies for both complainants & accused

Effective approach for both complainants seeking recovery and accused requiring defense, based on case-specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cheque Bounce Cases

Is cheque bounce a criminal offence?

Yes, cheque bounce is a quasi-criminal case under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act which may lead to imprisonment or fine.

How much time does it take for cheque bounce case to complete?

Cheque bounce case duration varies based on several key factors including court workload, how quickly the accused receives legal notices, and the speed of evidence completion. On average, these cases take 6 months to 2 years to resolve, depending on case complexity and the aforementioned procedural factors.

Can I defend myself if a false cheque bounce case is filed?

Yes, absolutely. Our team has successfully helped many clients fight against fake or unfair cheque bounce cases and protected them from false allegations.

Can a cheque bounce case be settled out of court?

Yes, cheque bounce cases are compundable in nature and they can be setlled out of court through mediation and negotiation proceedings. Our cheque bounce lawyers excel in mediating settlements to avoid long litigation.

What documents are needed for a cheque bounce complaint?

In order to file cheque bounce case, you need the original cheque, bank return memo, legal notice copy, and proof of postal receipts.

Is cheque bounce a bailable or non-bailable offense?

Cheque bounce is a bailable offence, but non-appearance in the court proceedings can lead to warrants.

Client Testimonails for Cheque Bounce Service

AS

Amit Sharma

Mohali

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"I approached Metis Law Chamber for a cheque bounce case after my cheque was dishonoured by a business associate. The lawyer explained the entire Section 138 process very clearly and helped me send the legal notice on time. Their guidance during court proceedings in Mohali was professional and practical. I am satisfied with their handling of the cheque bounce matter and would recommend them to anyone facing similar issues."

RV

Rahul Verma

Chandigarh

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"I received a cheque bounce legal notice and was extremely worried about the legal consequences. The team at Metis Law Chamber guided me properly and handled my defence in the Chandigarh court. They explained my options clearly and assisted in resolving the matter through settlement. Their calm and honest approach really helped during a stressful situation."

NG

Neha Gupta

Panchkula

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"As a small business owner, dealing with a cheque bounce issue was challenging. Metis Law Chamber handled my cheque dishonour case efficiently and kept me updated at every stage. Their understanding of Section 138 cases and experience in Panchkula courts made the process much smoother. I truly appreciate their professionalism."

SK

Sandeep Kumar

Zirakpur

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"I consulted Metis Law Chamber after receiving a cheque bounce notice. The advocate helped me draft a proper reply and explained the legal implications in simple terms. Their advice helped me avoid unnecessary complications and approach the case responsibly. Good experience overall."

PM

Pooja Malhotra

Kharar

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"I filed a cheque bounce case for recovery of money lent to an individual. The lawyers at Metis Law Chamber handled my case patiently and ensured all legal requirements under Section 138 were met. Their regular updates and clear communication gave me confidence throughout the case."

HS

Harpreet Singh

Mohali

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"I was named as an accused in a cheque bounce case and needed proper legal guidance. Metis Law Chamber explained the defence options available to me and represented me effectively before the court. Their knowledge of cheque bounce laws and court procedures in Mohali was evident. I am grateful for their support."

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