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Legal News 25 June 2024

Section 138 NI Act: SC dismisses a transfer petition stating that transfer of Dishonor of Cheque case cannot be sought at the instance of the accused

उच्चतम न्यायालय ने पराक्रम्य लिखित अधिनियम (Negotiable Instruments Act) की धारा 138 के तहत चेक अनादर (dishonour of cheque) मामले में आरोपी की ओर से दायर स्थानांतरण याचिका (transfer petition) को खारिज करते हुए स्पष्ट किया कि अभियुक्त के कहने पर मामले का स्थानांतरण नहीं किया जा सकता।

In a recent order, the Supreme Court (SC) of India dismissed a transfer petition observing that the transfer of a case for an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act (NI Act), dishonor of cheque, cannot be sought at the instance of the accused. The vacation bench consisting of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Rajesh Bindal was hearing the matter and passed an order on June 24 (Monday). The order reads, “At the instance of the accused, we cannot issue the order of transfer of a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The petitioner can always apply for grant of exemption from personal appearance to the concerned Court.” Therefore, the bench dismissed the transfer petition and Justice Oka orally remarked, “I have been a party to a dozen of such matters where I have rejected such transfer petitions.”

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an accused seek transfer of a Section 138 NI Act case?

No, the Supreme Court held that an order of transfer of a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot be issued at the instance of the accused.

What relief can an accused seek instead of a transfer petition under Section 138?

The petitioner can apply for the grant of exemption from personal appearance to the concerned court.

Who were the Supreme Court judges on the bench that passed this order?

The vacation bench consisted of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Rajesh Bindal.