Criminal Law · Case
Cheque bounce complaint (Section 138 case)
- Bar Council verified advocates
- Fixed fee, no hidden charges
- Timely updates
- Private and confidential
- Free cancellation window
Overview
If the drawer does not pay within 15 days of the legal notice, a cheque bounce lawyer files a criminal complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act and represents you in court.
What's included
- Review of the notice, return memo and timelines
- Complaint and affidavit drafted by the lawyer
- Filing before the magistrate with jurisdiction
- Appearances at hearings until judgment
- Application for interim compensation where it applies
- Status updates in your account and by email
Steps involved in Cheque bounce complaint (Section 138 case)
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1
Share documents
Upload the cheque, return memo, notice and postal receipt.
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2
Draft complaint
The lawyer drafts the complaint and your affidavit for approval.
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3
Filing
The complaint is filed within the time limit before the magistrate.
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4
Summons and hearings
The court summons the accused; your lawyer appears at each hearing.
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5
Judgment
The court decides the case and can order payment of up to twice the cheque amount.
Documents required
- Original bounced cheque
- Bank return memo
- Copy of the legal notice sent
- Postal receipt and tracking proof
- Proof of the debt (invoice, agreement, messages)
Things to know
- Court fees (based on the cheque amount) are separate.
- The complaint must be filed within one month after the 15-day notice period ends.
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Verified advocates
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Private and confidential
Your matter is seen only by your advocate.
Free cancellation
Within 2 hours of booking.
Upfront fees
Government fees listed separately.
Payment structure
Professional fee, paid at booking
100% at booking · court fees separate
Government, court and stamp fees
Court fees (based on the cheque amount) are separate.
Customer reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Send the legal notice within 30 days of the return memo. If the drawer does not pay within 15 days of receiving it, file the complaint within the next month.
Imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to twice the cheque amount, or both.
Yes. Under Section 143A the court can order interim compensation of up to 20% of the cheque amount.
No. You attend for your evidence; your lawyer handles the other dates.
The timeline is shown under "Things to know". It starts once we have all the details and papers we need.
A Bar Council verified advocate who practises in this area. You can also choose an advocate from their profile before booking.
Yes. Your matter and documents are visible only to you, your advocate and support staff when you ask for help.
Yes, from My Bookings. It is free within 2 hours of booking; after that a cancellation fee may apply.
No. The price is the professional fee only. Any government, stamp duty or court fees are paid separately.
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