Expediting Justice: Supreme Court Push for Speedy Cheque Bounce Case Disposal

The Supreme Court has instructed all states and union territories to submit status reports detailing their efforts to speed up the resolution of cheque bounce cases. This directive is part of ongoing measures to address the backlog of cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

A bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, issued the order while addressing a suo motu case concerning the rapid trial of cheque-related offences. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, assisting the court as an amicus curiae, referenced a 2022 pilot study that saw the formation of special courts in five states to facilitate quicker disposal of these cases.

The Court emphasized reviewing the effectiveness of this pilot project. Subsequently, it has required the participating states and union territories, along with high courts, to deliver status reports within six weeks. This follows previous directions aimed at consolidating trials for increased efficiency and addressing the country's vast backlog of cheque bounce cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)