What should I do if I receive a cheque bounce legal notice?

If you receive a cheque bounce legal notice, the most important step is to make the payment within 15 days of receiving it, because doing so prevents a criminal complaint from being validly filed. Prompt action can resolve the matter entirely.

Key points

• You have 15 days from receiving the notice to pay the cheque amount and avoid prosecution.
• If you pay within this window, no valid Section 138 complaint can proceed.
• If you dispute the debt, respond to the notice in writing stating your reasons.
• Ignoring the notice is risky — it allows the complainant to file a criminal complaint.
• Keep proof of any payment made in response to the notice.

Relevant law

Under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the offence is only complete if the drawer fails to pay within 15 days of receiving the demand notice. Paying within this period prevents the cause of action from arising.

What you can do

• If the debt is genuine, pay the cheque amount within 15 days and keep proof.
• If you dispute it, send a clear written reply to the notice through a lawyer.
• Do not ignore the notice — respond within the deadline.
• Consult a cheque bounce lawyer in Bhopal to reply or settle appropriately.