Section 138 NI Act: Deferral In Filing The Complaint Can Be Condoned If Sufficient Cause Is Shown In The Complaint

The Hon'ble Supreme Court has observed that cognizance of the complaint may be taken by the court after the prescribed period under Section 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act, if the complainant satisfies the Court that he had sufficient cause for not making a complaint within such period.

In the present case, an Appeal was preferred by the Appellant against Patna High Court judgment which quashed a summons issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate in a cheque bounce complaint.

Judgement link : https://www.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2018/27023/27023_2018_Judgement_08-May-2019.pdf