Supreme Court advises speedy trials of pending cheque bounce cases

There has been a huge increase in cases of cheque bounces. The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will take stern action. Cheque bounce cases are considered a criminal offence under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Therefore, such cases should be disposed of as soon as possible, the court said. The apex court on Thursday described that more than 35 lakh cases pending in the courts and termed it as “grotesque” and directed the Centre to do something immediately to bring out a temporary law creating more courts or employ retired judges to handle the pendency of cheque bounce cases.

The three-judge bench headed by CJI Sharad Bobde said, “We want you (Centre) to exercise your power (under Article 247). A temporary legislation can be made for creating additional courts or you may appoint retired judges,” the bench observed.

The Supreme Court has said that the Central government should enable additional courts to handle with cheque bounce cases. Check bounce cases are pending between 30-40 per cent in other courts of the country.