(1.) THE petitioner has filed this petition under section 482 Cr. PC. to quash the complaint filed against him under section 138 of the negotiable Instruments Act and under section 420 IPC, in which summoning order has also been passed against him on October 12, 1989.
(2.) THE respondent-complainant filed a complaint against the petitioner alleging that the petitioner purchased goods from the respondent and issued two post dated cheques dated 12. 4. 1989 for Rs. 30. 000/- and dated 8. 6. 1989 for Rs. 33,051. 94. The petitioner also executed an agreement in favour of the respondent. When these cheques were presented in the bank for encashment they were bounced by the bank and the remark given was "refer to drawer". The respondent gave a notice to the petitioner to make the payment, but despite this when no payment was made he filed the complaint against the petitioner on July 18, 1989. After recording preliminary evidence, the trial Magistrate passed the impugned summoning order.
(3.) THE petitioner's learned counsel contended that no notice was given to the petitioner regarding cheque dated June 8, 1989, for Rs. 33,051. 94, when it was dishonoured by the bank. The cheque for Rs. 30. 000/- was presented in the bank on April 14, 1989, and it was dishonoured and returned on April 15, 1988, but notice with regard to this cheque was given on May 11, 1989, i. e. beyond 15 days from the date of return of this cheque. Thereafter complaint was filed on July 18, 1989. Thus neither the notice was given within 15 days from the date of dishonour of the cheque nor complaint was filed within the statutory period as laid down in section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Hence the complaint is liable to be quashed.