Answer By law4u team
Yes, imprisonment can be imposed for a cheque bounce case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. If the cheque bounces due to insufficient funds or other reasons and the drawer fails to make the payment within 15 days of receiving a legal notice, the payee can file a complaint in court. If found guilty, the court may impose: Imprisonment for up to two years, or Fine up to twice the cheque amount, or Both imprisonment and fine However, courts often provide the accused an opportunity to settle the amount before awarding imprisonment. In some cases, the Supreme Court has also encouraged mediation and settlement instead of jail time.
