Bharat’s Demystifying Section 138 (Dishonour of Cheques of NI Act: From Complaint to Conviction) – Edition 2026 is a comprehensive and practice-oriented legal treatise dedicated to understanding and handling cheque dishonour cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This updated edition provides a clear and systematic explanation of the entire lifecycle of a cheque bounce case, making it an indispensable resource for legal professionals and students alike.

The book begins with an in-depth analysis of the legislative intent and scope of Section 138 of the NI Act, explaining the objectives behind criminalizing cheque dishonour and its role in strengthening commercial credibility and financial discipline. It clarifies the essential ingredients of an offence under Section 138, including the issuance of cheque, presentation within validity period, dishonour by the bank, issuance of statutory notice, and failure to make payment within the prescribed time.

A major highlight of this work is its step-by-step procedural roadmap from the initiation of proceedings to final conviction. It explains each stage in detail, such as drafting and filing of complaint, jurisdictional aspects, limitation periods, service of legal notice, cognizance by the court, summoning of accused, plea, evidence, cross-examination, arguments, and judgment. The book also elaborates on interim compensation, compounding of offences, plea bargaining, and settlement mechanisms.

This edition incorporates latest judicial pronouncements of the Supreme Court and High Courts, illustrating evolving interpretations of Section 138 and related provisions such as Sections 139, 141, 142, and 147 of the NI Act. It also discusses recent developments regarding electronic cheques, digital banking transactions, and corporate liability in cheque dishonour cases.

Special emphasis is placed on practical drafting and courtroom strategy, including model formats for legal notices, complaints, affidavits, and applications. The book provides guidance on common defence strategies, evidentiary issues, burden of proof, and presumptions under law, enabling practitioners to effectively handle both prosecution and defence in cheque bounce litigation.

Designed for advocates, judicial officers, corporate legal teams, bankers, law students, and judiciary exam aspirants, this book serves as both a theoretical and practical guide to cheque dishonour law. With its structured approach, updated legal framework, and real-world insights, Bharat’s Demystifying Section 138 – Edition 2026 is a must-have reference for anyone dealing with cheque dishonour litigation in India.