#cheque bounce cases

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that courts may reduce the mandatory 20% deposit under Section 148 of the Negotiable Instruments Act to 10% when the accused demonstrates compelling financial distress and serious health conditions that impair livelihood. This sets a precedent for judicial discretion in cheque bounce cases, balancing creditor rights with constitutional protections against disproportionate hardship.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that courts may reduce the mandatory 20% deposit under Section 528 BNSS to 10% when an accused demonstrates compelling financial distress and serious medical conditions, setting a precedent for equitable relief in non-violent economic offences. This shifts the rigid application of deposit conditions toward proportionality and personal circumstance, benefiting indigent accused in NI Act cases nationwide.

Himachal Pradesh High Court reaffirms that offences under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act can be compounded even after conviction if parties reach a settlement. The court acquitted the accused upon payment of Rs. 1,72,000 compensation and Rs. 10,000 litigation costs, emphasizing flexibility in dispute resolution for cheque bounce cases.

Rajasthan High Court rules that the repeal of the 2018 amendment to Section 148 of the Negotiable Instruments Act nullifies the mandatory pre-deposit condition for appeals. The judgment sets a precedent for all pending cheque bounce cases where appellants were required to deposit 20% of the fine or compensation under the now-repealed provision.