Sri D Vijay v. Sri G Jayaprakash
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 – Section 138 – Cheque issued towards time-barred debt
Case brief
What is this about?
Section 138 NI Act; time-barred debt; legally enforceable debt or liability; Section 25(3) Indian Contract Act 1872 fresh promise; acknowledgement by drawing cheque; Section 118/139 presumptions and reverse onus; police conciliation memorandum of understanding; fresh cheques renewing liability; Krishna Janardhan Bhat overruled per Rangappa; Kumar Exports and Sesseriyil Joseph distinguished; Gimpex settlement agreement binding; R Vijayan compensation formula 9% interest; enhancement of fine refused; Crl.R.P.Nos.400/2016 & 401/2016 dismissed; Crl.A.No.323/2019 allowed; acquittal set aside; compensation Rs.15,00,000 default SI one year; High Court of Karnataka, H.P. Sandesh J, 22-03-2025.
What did the court decide?
Crl.R.P.Nos.400/2016 and 401/2016 dismissed (convictions and first appellate confirmations upheld). Crl.A.No.323/2019 allowed: acquittal in C.C.No.5845/2013 set aside, complaint allowed, respondent-accused convicted under Section 138 NI Act and directed to pay compensation of Rs.15,00,000/- within three months, in default simple imprisonment for one year; of the compensation, Rs.14,75,000/- payable to the complainant and Rs.25,000/- to vest with the State.