Cheque bounced, or got a cheque bounce notice? See what happened in cases like yours

Our Legal AI has read the orders of the courts in Delhi and Gurugram. Tell it whether you gave the cheque or received it, and it finds the cases closest to yours.

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Your first answers are free.

Cheque bounce deadlines

Date you learnt from the bank that the cheque bounced Date the other side received the notice (if sent)

From Section 138 and Section 142 of the Negotiable Instruments Act: the notice within 30 days of the bank's information; the drawer then has 15 days from receiving it to pay; the complaint within one month after that. A court can admit a late complaint if there was sufficient cause. Day-counting can move a date by a day, so don't wait for the last one.

What the courts look at

Was the cheque given for a real debt, or only as security?
Was the loan already repaid, in cash or otherwise?
Was the demand notice properly sent and received?
Has the person who gave the cheque shown that the debt wasn't owed?
For a company: can a director who didn't sign the cheque be made to answer?
After conviction: the sentence, the compensation, and the time given to pay

Real cases. Every case is different.

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The notice was received by his mother. Was it valid? Watch on YouTube

What our Legal AI will ask you

Did you give the cheque, or receive it?
Did the bank return it? When did the notice go out?
Is the debt written anywhere (agreement, chats, bank transfer)?
Is a case already filed? In which court?

Cases like yours report₹499

Our Legal AI puts together the decided cases closest to yours: what each side asked for, what was ordered, how long it took, and what made the difference.

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Questions people ask

Is a cheque bounce case civil or criminal?

The cheque bounce complaint is a criminal case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The money can also be claimed in a civil suit.

What happens if I got a cheque bounce notice?

You can pay within the time the notice gives, or reply. If you do neither, the other side can file a complaint in court.

What is the punishment?

The court can order jail, a fine, or both, and often orders compensation to the person who was owed.

Do I need a legal notice first?

Yes, a written demand notice is required before the complaint. We can draft it for ₹49.

Cheque bounce notice: what it must say, and by when Want to recover money you lent to a friend, relative or business

Updated 30 October 2026. What courts look at comes from the orders our Legal AI has read. The time limits come from the Acts named in the checker.