#Section 139 NI Act

Allahabad HC rules that where the accused admits issuing a cheque under Section 138 NI Act, courts cannot quash proceedings at the pre-trial stage merely on grounds of old debt. The statutory presumption under Section 139 mandates trial to determine liability, reinforcing the bar on premature dismissal of complaints.

Supreme Court rules that the statutory presumption of liability under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot be rebutted during the pre-trial stage. The drawer must present evidence to rebut the presumption only during trial, ensuring complaints under Section 138 proceed to merit-based adjudication.