What to Do If You Receive a Bounced Cheque: Legal Action & Timelines

 

By Lawchef – India’s Leading Legal Experts in Cheque Bounce Matters

Receiving a bounced cheque can be frustrating and financially damaging—but the law is on your side. The Indian legal system, through Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, provides a clear process for recovering your dues and punishing defaulters.

At Lawchef, our expert cheque bounce lawyers assist individuals and businesses in enforcing their legal rights swiftly and effectively.

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🧾 What is a Bounced Cheque?

A cheque is said to be “bounced” when it is returned unpaid by the bank. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient funds
  
  

• Signature mismatch
  
  

• Account closed
  
  

• Stop payment issued by drawer
  
  

Whatever the cause, you must act within legal timelines to safeguard your right to claim the amount.

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⏱️ Timeline for Legal Action: Don’t Miss the Deadlines

🟡 Step 1: Present the Cheque to the Bank

You must deposit the cheque within 3 months of the date mentioned on it.

🟠 Step 2: Receive the Bank's Return Memo

If the cheque is dishonoured, you will receive a return memo specifying the reason.

🔴 Step 3: Send a Cheque Bounce Legal Notice

You must send a cheque bounce legal notice to the issuer within 30 days of receiving the bank memo.
This is a formal demand for payment to be made within 15 days.

📌 Lawchef’s check bounce lawyers can draft and dispatch this notice with legal precision to avoid procedural errors.

⚖️ Step 4: File a Criminal Complaint

If the issuer doesn’t pay within 15 days, you have 30 more days to file a complaint under Section 138 in a Magistrate’s Court.

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🧑‍⚖️ What Legal Action Can You Take?

If the drawer fails to make the payment, you can:

• File a criminal complaint under Section 138
  
  

• Demand interest and legal costs
  
  

• Proceed with civil recovery suits in higher-value matters
  
  

Whether you’re based in Delhi, Noida, or anywhere in India, our cheque bounce case lawyers in Delhi and Noida are ready to act swiftly.

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📍 Local Legal Assistance: Why Location Matters

Need fast legal help where you are? Our regional network of advocates means that no matter your location, you have access to:

• Cheque bounce case lawyers Noida
  
  

• Cheque bounce case lawyers Delhi
  
  

• Experienced cheque bounce case advocates near me
  
  

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📑 Required Documents to File a Cheque Bounce Case

When you're ready to take legal action, gather:

• The bounced cheque
  
  

• Return memo from the bank
  
  

• Copy of the legal notice sent
  
  

• Proof of delivery (postal receipt/courier tracking)
  
  

• Any agreements or correspondence related to the transaction
  
  

Lawchef will handle the rest—from case drafting to courtroom representation.

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💼 Why Choose Lawchef?

At Lawchef, we don’t just represent you—we strategize to win. Our cheque bounce case advocates offer:

✅ Complete Legal Support:

• Notice drafting and dispatch
  
  

• Negotiation with the drawer
  
  

• Filing and pursuing court cases
  
  

• Execution of judgment orders
  
  

💬 Online Services Available:

Can’t visit in person? Our check bounce lawyers are available through video calls, email, and live chat.