Vicarious criminal liability of directors under Section 141 of...

Vicarious criminal liability of directors under Section 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act requires strict compliance with the statutory conditions: the complaint must specifically aver how a director was in charge of and responsible for the company's business. General statements that directors managed day-to-day affairs are insufficient, and the complaint must also disclose who signed the dishonoured cheque. As the petition contained only general allegations and no specific role, participation, or cheque-signatory details, the court held that continuation of the proceeding against the petitioner would be an abuse of process and quashed it.

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