Someone's cheque to me bounced — how to recover

What you need to know

You must send legal notice within 30 days of bank dishonour memo. If payment not made within 15 days of notice, file criminal complaint in Magistrate Court. Imprisonment up to 2 years.

Your rights

Send legal notice within 30 days of dishonour

File criminal complaint if not paid within 15 days of notice

Recover cheque amount with damages via court

Civil suit for recovery if criminal route not used

What you should do now

Action first

Send legal notice within 30 days of bank return memo

Use the notice draft in this app
Send by registered post — keep acknowledgment
30-day deadline from dishonour date is mandatory — missing it kills your case

Wait 15 days after notice

If they pay within 15 days of receiving your notice — matter closed
If not paid — you now have right to file criminal case

File criminal complaint in Magistrate Court

File within 30 days of 15-day notice period expiring
Court can order imprisonment up to 2 years + fine up to double the cheque amount

Acts applicable

Negotiable Instruments Act 1881

central

Section 138 — Recovery procedure for dishonoured cheque

Where to complain

eCourts — Find District Court

Consumer complaint portal: e-jagriti.gov.in (replaced edaakhil.nic.in as of Jan 2025). Labour complaints: col.gujarat.gov.in. All links verified June 2026 via web search against official government sources.