Full Order Text
Interim Order 1 · 14 Aug 2024 · CNR MHMM190119792018
Order Details: Order Pdf Text: 1 C. C. No.4341/SS/2018 Exh.11 ORDER BELOW EXH.11 1. This is an application filed by complainant under Section 143-A of Negotiable Instrument Act with the prayer that accused be directed to pay 20 % of cheque amount towards interim compensation to it. 2. Brief contention of the application : Complainant has filed present complaint under Section 138 of N.I.Act against accused for dishonour of cheque. Accused appeared before the Court and pleaded not guilty. It is contended that in order to compensate the complainant, it is just and proper to direct the accused to pay interim compensa- tion. Hence, this application. 3. Accused has opposed the application by filing his reply at (Exh.24). It is submitted that alleged offence is non-cognizable, bailable and summary triable in nature. It is next submitted that accused is not the drawer of the cheques which are subject matter. It is also submitted that provision of Section 143A of N.I. Act is not mandatory and it is optional. It is further submitted that application filed by complainant has no merit or substance and liable to be rejected. It is next submitted that complainant has no cause of action or lawful grounds to file present application. It is lastly submitted that complainant has misused and abused the provisions of Section 143A of N.I. Act so as to pressurize or coerce the accused for succumbing to unlawful demand of the complainant. Hence, he prayed to reject the application. 4. Heard both sides at length. -- 1 of 2 -- 2 C. C. No.4341/SS/2018 Exh.11 5. Accused has pleaded not guilty to the accusation made in the complaint. Prima facie offence under Section 138 of N.I. Act is made out against accused. Section 143A of N.I. Act empowers the Court to grant interim compensation to the complainant from drawer of the cheque. It will take certain time to decide main complaint on merit. Till then, it is necessary to award certain compensation to the complainant. In the result, I pass following order : ORDER 1) Accused is hereby directed to pay 20 % of cheque amount to the complainant as interim compensation under Section 143-A(1) of Negotiable Instrument Act, within 60 days from the date of this order. 2) Complainant to file undertaking that, if, the accused is acquitted, he will repay the said amount to the accused with interest at the bank rate as published by the Reserve Bank of India prevalent at the beginning of the relevant financial year, within 60 days from the date of the order. Date : 14/08/2024 Sd/- ( Shri. R.D. Dange ) Judicial Magistrate, First Class 63rd Court, Andheri, Mumbai -- 2 of 2 --
