Mandatory pre-summoning inquiry may be met by affidavit and documents; cheque-liability presumptions require disputed defences to face trial.

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....Documentary material, including the complainant's affidavit, dishonoured cheque, return memos, demand notice and MoU, may satisfy the mandatory inquiry under Sections 200 and 202 of the Code before process is issued against an accused residing outside the Magistrate's territorial jurisdiction. On admitted cheque execution and non-payment after notice, the presumptions of consideration and legally enforceable liability under Sections 118 and 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act apply. Defences that security cheques were prematurely presented, liability had not arisen under the MoU, or fraud occurred raise factual issues for trial and cannot displace those rebuttable presumptions through inherent jurisdiction at the pre-trial stage. The challenges were rejected and trial was directed to proceed expeditiously.....