Dear Sir,
Get issue a legal notice after that file cheque case u/s 138 of Negotiable Instrument Act.
Legally, certain conditions have to be fulfilled in order to use the provisions of Section 138.
The cheque should have been drawn by the drawer on an account maintained by him.
The cheque should have been returned or dishonoured because of insufficient funds in the drawer's account.
The cheque is issued towards discharge of a debt or legal liability.
After receiving the notice, if the drawer doesn't make the payment within 15 days from the day of receiving the notice, then he commits an offence punishable under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Punishment & penalty
On receiving the complaint, along with an affidavit and relevant paper trail, the court will issue summons and hear the matter. If found guilty, the defaulter can be punished with monetary penalty which may be twice the amount of the cheque or imprisonment for a term which may be extended to two years or both. The bank also has the right to stop the cheque book facility and close the account for repeat offences of bounced cheques.
If the drawer makes payment of the cheque amount within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice, then drawer does not commit any offence. Otherwise, the payee may proceed to file a complaint in the court of the jurisdictional magistrate within one month from the date of expiry of 15 days prescribed in the notice.