16-Year Cheque Dispute Highlights Backlog u/s 138; High Courts Urge Magistrates to Justify Trial Conversions.

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....Dishonor of two cheques - dispute remained pending for past 16 years - humongous pendency of complaints u/s 138 of the Act - The High Courts may issue practice directions to the Magistrates to record reasons before converting trial of complaints under Section 138 from summary trial to summons trial in exercise of power under the second proviso to Section 143 of the Act. - The evidence of witnesses on behalf of the complainant shall be permitted on affidavit. If the Magistrate holds an inquiry himself, it is not compulsory that he should examine witnesses. In suitable cases, the Magistrate can examine documents for satisfaction as to the sufficiency of grounds for proceeding under Section 202. - SC....