Cheque bounce notice: what it must say, and by when

Before a cheque bounce case, the law needs a written demand notice, sent on time. Tell our Legal AI on WhatsApp about the cheque and it drafts the notice for you.

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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 notice must contain

From Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act:

The cheque's details: number, date, amount and bank
That the bank returned it, and the reason it gave
A clear demand for the cheque amount
Payment within 15 days of receiving the notice

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What our Legal AI will ask you

The cheque's details, and the bank's return memo. Send photos.
The date the bank told you
What the cheque was for
The address of the person who gave it

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Our Legal AI drafts your cheque bounce notice from the cheque and the bank's memo, ready to print and send.

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Questions people ask

How many days do I have to send the notice?

Within 30 days of the bank telling you the cheque was returned unpaid.

What if the notice comes back unclaimed or refused?

Courts have generally treated a notice sent by registered post to the correct address as served. The Supreme Court has also held that the person can still pay within 15 days of receiving the court's summons.

Can I ask for interest or costs in the notice?

The notice must clearly demand the cheque amount. Anything else you add should be shown separately.

When can I file the case?

If the amount isn't paid within 15 days of them receiving the notice, you can file the complaint within one month after that.

Cheque bounced, or got a cheque bounce notice Legal notice for recovery of money: what it must say, and get yours drafted

Updated 30 October 2026. What a notice must contain and the time limits come from the Acts named on this page.