Agreement and Deed Drafting
Rent agreements, partnership deeds, sale agreements, loan agreements, MOUs and other documents drafted or reviewed by advocates on our panel.
Legal Services
Legal notice and complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act when a cheque is dishonoured, handled by advocates on our panel.
- Legal Services
- Legal notice usually sent within 1 to 3 working days of receiving your papers*
About Cheque Bounce Case (Section 138)
When a cheque given for a debt or liability is returned unpaid, the law gives you a remedy under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Strict time limits apply: the legal notice must be sent within 30 days of the bank’s return memo, and the complaint filed within the time allowed after that.
Advocates on our panel check your papers, send the legal notice in time, file the complaint before the appropriate court and represent you. If you have received a cheque bounce notice, they can advise you and prepare a reply.
Who Needs This Service
- Businesses whose customer’s cheque has bounced
- Individuals who lent money and received a cheque that was dishonoured
- Landlords whose rent cheques were returned
- People who have received a cheque bounce legal notice
Key Benefits
Time limits tracked
The notice and complaint are prepared within the time the law allows.
Advocate-drafted
Notice and complaint drafted by advocates on our panel.
Court representation
The panel appears for you before the appropriate court.
Honest advice
Your case is assessed on its facts; no outcome is promised.
Eligibility and Applicability
- Cheque given for a legally enforceable debt or liability
- Cheque presented within its validity period
- Returned for reasons such as insufficient funds or exceeds arrangement
- Notice sent within 30 days of receiving the return memo
Whether a case can be filed depends on the facts and the dates. Bring all papers as soon as the cheque bounces.
Documents Commonly Required
Cheque papers
- Original dishonoured cheque
- Bank return memo
- Your bank statement showing the return
Proof of debt
- Invoice, loan agreement, receipt or other proof of the amount due
- Messages, letters or emails about the payment
- ID proof of the complainant
Document requirements may vary depending on applicant type, location and applicable regulations. We confirm the exact list for your case before you share anything.
Step-by-Step Process
Case review
The advocate checks the cheque, memo, dates and proof of debt.
Legal notice
Notice sent to the drawer by registered post within the time limit.
Waiting period
The drawer gets 15 days from receiving the notice to pay.
Complaint
If unpaid, the complaint is filed before the appropriate court within the time allowed.
Hearings
The panel represents you at the hearings until the matter is decided or settled.
Estimated Timeline and Fees
Estimated timeline
Legal notice usually sent within 1 to 3 working days of receiving your papers
Court proceedings take time and depend on the court’s schedule. Many cases settle after the notice.
Professional fee
Advocate fees for the notice and the case are agreed with you in writing before work starts.
Government fees and charges
Court fees, postage and other statutory charges are payable at actual.
* Timelines are indicative. They can change because of document verification, queries raised by the authority and government processing times, which are outside our control. Approval is decided by the relevant authority under applicable rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 30-day limit for sending the legal notice
- Losing the original cheque or return memo
- Sending a notice without proof of delivery
- Ignoring a cheque bounce notice you have received
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have after the cheque bounces?
The legal notice must be sent within 30 days of receiving the bank’s return memo. After the notice, the drawer has 15 days to pay. The complaint must then be filed within the time the law allows.
Can I present the cheque again?
Yes, within its validity period. The time limit for the notice then runs from the latest return memo. Ask the advocate before you decide.
I received a cheque bounce notice. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. Bring the notice and your papers to the panel. They will advise you on paying, settling or replying.
Can you promise I will get my money?
No. The result depends on the facts, the evidence and the court’s decision. The panel will explain your options honestly.
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Talk to Our Team
Have a Question About Cheque Bounce Case?
Call, WhatsApp or visit our office. We will explain what applies to you, the documents needed and all charges before you decide.
- Callback during office hours
- Written quote before any work begins
- No obligation to proceed
Speak to an expert
Tell us what you need. We will explain the documents, process and fees before you decide.
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