The time taken to resolve a cheque bounce case in India varies based on several factors, including court workload, complexity, and whether the accused contests the case. However, the general timeline is as follows: Legal Notice (15 Days) – After the cheque bounces, the payee must send a legal notice to the drawer within 30 days of receiving the dishonor memo, giving 15 days to make the payment. Filing of Complaint (30 Days) – If no payment is made, the payee must file a complaint in court within 30 days from the expiry of the 15-day notice period under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Court Proceedings (6 Months to 3 Years) – The trial process generally takes 6 months to 3 years, depending on factors like summons service, witness examination, and court workload. Appeal (Additional 1-2 Years, if filed) – If the accused is convicted, they may appeal, adding more time to the case. On average, cheque bounce cases are resolved within 1 to 3 years, but delays can occur due to adjournments or backlog in courts. For faster resolution, settlement through mediation or Lok Adalat is advisable.
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