Some relief in cheque bounce cases

Some relief in cases of cheque bouncing has come about following the amendments to the Negotiable Instruments Act during the winter session of Parliament. Hitherto it was necessary to file a case in court only at the point of issue of the cheque or location of the bank. Hereafter a case can be filed at the point of receipt of the cheque or the location of the bank where the cheque has been deposited. As it is, some 18 lakh cheque bounce cases are listed in various courts in the country. Of these, 30,000 are listed in the High Courts. In most of the cases, the aggrieved party is expected to go to the places of the defendants to fight cases, and be present for every adjournment. The amendment makes it easier for the aggrieved party to file cases or deal with adjournments. Cheque bouncing occurs due to many reasons, including lack of funds. Banks are meticulous about signatures. Even slight variations in the signature can also lead to cheque bouncing.