Cheque Bounce Due to Insufficient Funds: Legal Consequences Explained
A cheque bounce due to insufficient funds is one of the most common financial disputes faced by individuals, businesses, traders, and companies in India. When a cheque issued by a person or organization is dishonoured by the bank because the account does not contain adequate balance, it can lead to serious legal and financial consequences under Indian law. The law governing cheque bounce cases in India is primarily covered under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This provision was introduced to ensure financial discipline and to protect the credibility of cheque-based transactions. A dishonoured cheque not only affects business relationships but may also result in criminal proceedings against the issuer of the cheque. What is a Cheque Bounce? A cheque is considered bounced or dishonoured when the bank…





