In Brief
In this case, the Supreme Court addressed procedures for Section 138 Negotiable Instruments Act cases (cheque bounce offences) and held that courts may close proceedings and discharge the accused if the cheque amount with assessed interest and costs is paid by a specified date, even without both parties' consent if the complainant is compensated. The Court emphasised that these offences are primarily civil wrongs, not purely criminal, and trials should normally be summary. The judgment encourages early compounding, use of electronic communication for serving summons and receiving payments, and dispensing with personal appearance where appropriate. Courts should conclude trials within six months and prioritise the compensatory aspect over punishment."
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