Forensic examination of cheques refused where signatures were undisputed and delay would hinder a pending cheque-bounce complaint.

Refusal to send cheques for forensic examination was upheld because the signatures on the cheques were not disputed and the request was likely to cause substantial delay in a pending complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Court noted that obtaining a forensic report ordinarily takes several years, and therefore interference under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was not warranted. The earlier decision relied on by the petitioner, allowing an accused to seek assistance in defence, was found inapplicable on these facts. The petition was dismissed.

---

---

Issues: Whether the order refusing to send the cheques to the forensic laboratory for examination suffered from illegality or infirmity.

Analysis: The petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure sought interference with the Magistrate's order declining forensic examination of the cheques. The signature on the cheques was not disputed, and the request was found likely to cause substantial delay because obtaining a forensic report ordinarily takes several years, whereas the complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act was already pending. In these circumstances, the earlier decision permitting an accused to seek assistance in defence was held not to assist the petitioner.

Conclusion: The refusal to send the cheques for forensic examination was held to be valid, and the petition was dismissed.

---