Section 138 NI Act. Enter the cheque issue date and the dishonour (bank memo) date to compute the three deadlines: the last day to present the cheque, the last day to send the legal notice, and the last day to file the complaint.
Deadline Computation
Cheque must be presented within-
Legal notice: last day to send-
Complaint: last day to file-
Days remaining until complaint deadline-
How the Section 138 timeline works: The chequer has 30 days from issue to present the cheque. The payee then has 15 days from the dishonour memo to send a written legal notice. The drawee has 30 days from receiving the notice to make payment. If no payment is made, the payee must file the complaint in the Magistrate Court within 1 month of the 30-day period expiring (i.e. within 40 days of the dishonour memo date, assuming the notice was sent on day 1 of the 15-day window). The limitation period is strict - a late complaint is time-barred regardless of merit.
This calculator is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The applicable limitation period depends on the facts of the case, including when the notice was actually received (not just when it was posted). For a case-specific assessment, consult our team at Bijlani & Co.
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