A bounced cheque is not just a broken promise — it is a criminal offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, and one of the most effective ways to recover money in India. But the remedy works only if strict timelines are followed, which is where most people lose their case before it begins.
Advocate Ramesh Kadari prosecutes cheque-bounce complaints to recover the cheque amount with compensation, and equally defends those who have been wrongly proceeded against — for instance, where a cheque was given as security, was misused, or the debt does not exist.
The process is time-bound: the cheque must be presented within validity, a demand notice issued within 30 days of dishonour, and a complaint filed within the statutory window after that. Miss a step and the case can fail on technicality alone — so precision matters from day one.
What we handle
- Section 138 complaints to recover the cheque amount
- Statutory demand notices for dishonoured cheques
- Defence against improper or time-barred complaints
- Cases where cheques were given as security or misused
- Summary suits for recovery of money
- Interim compensation applications
- Settlement and compounding of cheque cases
- Appeals against conviction or acquittal
Why instruct Advocate Ramesh Kadari
- ✓Strict compliance with the timelines that make or break the case.
- ✓Demand notices drafted to close every defence.
- ✓Strong on both sides — recovery and defence.
- ✓Pragmatic use of settlement and interim compensation.
Frequently asked questions
After a cheque is dishonoured, you must send a written demand notice within 30 days of receiving the bank's return memo. If the drawer does not pay within 15 days of receiving the notice, you must file the complaint within the next 30 days. These limits are strict — missing them can defeat an otherwise strong claim, so consult a lawyer immediately on dishonour.
Related practice areas