Srinagar: A man has been sentenced to one year of imprisonment and fined Rs 12 lakh by the Munsif Court Sumbal in a cheque bounce case.
As per news agency JKNS, the case pertains to two cheques issued by the accused, a resident of Kathpora Hajin, Bandipora, to the complainant for an amount of Rs 8 lakh.
According to the court order, the cheques, bearing No. 418204 (dated 03.05.2017) and No. 418214 (dated 05.05.2017), were drawn from the accused’s account at J&K Bank, Hajin branch. However, when presented for encashment on 17.05.2017, both cheques were dishonored due to insufficient funds.
The order further states that a legal notice (No. 27/2017) was served by the complainant on 22.05.2017, demanding payment of Rs 8 lakh within the stipulated period. The notice was received by the accused’s brother on 24.05.2017, as confirmed by the acknowledgement from the Sumbal Post Office. However, despite receiving the legal intimation, the accused failed to clear the dues.
The court, in its ruling, stated, “The accused has failed to discharge the legally enforceable debt despite multiple opportunities. The dishonor of the cheques has been duly established, and the complainant has successfully proved his case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.”
As per the judgment, the accused was sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 12 lakh as compensation to the complainant. “In case of default in payment of the fine, the accused shall undergo further imprisonment as per law,” the order reads.
The court further stated that the sentence serves as a deterrent against financial fraud and ensures justice for victims of cheque dishonor. (JKNS)
