Sole Proprietorship Liability: Cheque-dishonour complaints may proceed against proprietors without separately arraigning their trade concerns.

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....Separate arraignment of a sole proprietary concern is unnecessary for a cheque-dishonour complaint against its proprietor. Statutory vicarious criminal liability applies where the drawer is a juristic entity distinct from the individuals sought to be held responsible for its affairs. A sole proprietorship has no legal existence separate from its proprietor; use of a trade name or maintenance of a bank account in that name does not create a separate legal person. Accordingly, proceedings may continue against the proprietor in that capacity without impleading the proprietary concern separately, while questions concerning the underlying liability and defences remain for trial.....